Prime Minister Assigns Additional Responsibilities to State over Subpar Work Quality

Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has indicated an escalation of responsibilities upon the state in response to perceived shortcomings in the quality of work aligned with agreements. Addressing the 25th General Assembly of the Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal today, he underscored concerns over projects not being completed within stipulated timeframes as per agreements.

"Government takes the challenges posed by business community's hardships and difficulties seriously due to limitations and weaknesses at the state level," stated Prime Minister Dahal. He emphasized the gravity of the situation where projects are not being executed as per agreements, highlighting delays in project completion, subpar work quality according to agreements, and the extension of state's additional responsibilities due to prolonged construction periods.

Moreover, he asserted his directive to relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, National Planning Commission, and associated ministries, to ensure liberation from the vicious circle of unnecessary projects, increasing state responsibilities, and lack of commendable outcomes. Prime Minister Dahal referred to the government's affirmative stance post the 13th amendment to the Public Procurement Regulations, where projects falling under state responsibility would be concluded based on the consent of the agreement in the absence of assured resources.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Dahal acknowledged certain legal constraints hindering development initiatives and affirmed the government's commitment to amending pertinent laws to foster development-friendly regulations, ensuring environmental conservation while fostering development. He underscored the initiation of the process to amend significant laws like the Forest Act, aimed at providing ample availability of natural resources essential for the construction industry.