साझा अर्थ संवाददाता
३ असोज २०८२, शुक्रवार
In his first meeting as Minister for Energy, Irrigation and Physical Infrastructure, Kulman Ghising instructed secretaries and departmental chiefs to take firm action against stalled development projects. He declared that excuses and delays would no longer be tolerated, and that contractors misusing funds would be penalized. Key projects such as the Federal Parliament Building, Sunkoshi Marin Multipurpose Project, and hundreds of roads and bridges remain incomplete. Ghising emphasized that terminating contracts is both legally permissible and economically necessary. His strong stance has raised public expectations that long-delayed projects will finally move forward.
Kathmandu, Sept 19 — Minister for Energy, Irrigation and Physical Infrastructure Kulman Ghising has pledged to complete long-stalled development projects across the country, warning that non-performing contractors will no longer be spared.
In his first meeting after assuming office, Ghising directed secretaries and departmental chiefs from three ministries to take immediate action against delays and irregularities. “Excuses and procrastination will no longer be tolerated. Anyone found misusing even a single rupee will face action,” he said.
Several major projects, including the Federal Parliament Building, the Sunkoshi Marin Multipurpose Project, and hundreds of roads and bridges, have been left incomplete for years. The Federal Parliament Building in Singha Durbar, which was supposed to be completed within three years of its 2019 contract, remains only about 86 percent finished. Ghising has instructed that the remaining work be completed by mid-January.
Similarly, the much-publicized Sunkoshi Marin project has seen progress in tunnel construction but dam construction has stalled at just 10 percent. Ghising has warned that if contractors fail to perform, their contracts will be terminated. According to the ministry, more than 300 road projects and over 100 bridges currently remain stuck.
Citing provisions in the Public Procurement Act, Ghising stressed that terminating contracts for non-performing companies is both legally viable and economically necessary. “Decisions must be made, and we will move forward accordingly,” he said.
The minister also issued a stern warning on corruption, linking it to public frustration and potential unrest. “If irregularities continue, the risk of another revolt remains,” he cautioned, underscoring that his office would adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and negligence.
Now, the public eye is on the government to see whether Ghising’s bold instructions translate into real action. Citizens expect long-delayed bridges, roads, and national pride projects to finally be completed — and hope the minister’s tough stance will both accelerate development and curb corruption.
