Construction of Lamkichuha community hospital stalled after contractor halts work

Dhangadhi: The construction of a community hospital in Lamkichuha Municipality-10, Kailali has come to a standstill after the contracted construction company stopped work, citing unpaid dues.

KS-Shanidev JV Mahendranagar, which had been awarded the contract to complete the 50-bed community hospital within two years, has failed to finish the project even after nearly five years. The company halted work after one and a half years of construction, leaving the hospital incomplete.

Ward Chairman Harka Bahadur Katharia Tharu said the contractor has refused to complete the remaining work, claiming it has yet to receive a pending payment of Rs 5 million. He added that budget constraints have caused delays and that the structures already built are deteriorating due to lack of preservation. “It has been a few years since the contractor stopped work, saying payment is pending. Since the construction has not been completed, the structures built are being damaged,” he said.

Several structures, including four to five quarters, have been completed, while the main hospital building remains unfinished. The abandoned premises have reportedly become a gathering place for youths involved in drug abuse. Windows, doors, and glass fittings have also been damaged or stolen due to the absence of supervision.

The contract for the hospital was signed in the fiscal year 2077/78 with a two-year completion target. The hospital was contracted at Rs 148.5 million including VAT. According to the municipality, the company has already received payment for the work it completed.

“The construction company has already received payment for the work done,” said municipal engineer Bharatraj Joshi. “The budget will come from the Ministry of Finance only after the bill and invoice for the completed work are submitted.” He added that although he has heard the contractor may resume work, no timeline has been communicated.

Construction began during the tenure of then mayor Mahadev Bajgain, using Rs 7.5 million allocated by Lamkichuha Municipality for vehicle procurement. That amount was used to construct the ground floor, with subsequent work funded by the federal government.

According to Ward Chairman Katharia Tharu, an additional Rs 11.3 million was secured through the local infrastructure development program of the former provincial assembly member, and Rs 11 million through the federal parliamentarian’s local infrastructure development program. He stated that a significant budget has been invested in the project.

Former mayor Bajgain expressed disappointment over the stalled project, saying it is unfortunate that construction halted after leadership changed, despite major progress during his tenure.