Chief Minister Shah warns of legal action against contractors delaying development projects

Dhangadhi: Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah has warned that the provincial government will not tolerate delays or negligence in development and construction works. Speaking at a multi-year project progress review seminar held in Dhangadhi, he said that budget misuse, negligence, and excuses will no longer be accepted.

He recently monitored problematic projects in Achham and Bajura that have remained incomplete since the fiscal year 2075/76 and asserted that those responsible for delaying infrastructure construction will not be exempted.

“Contractors who do not complete work on time will no longer be exempted,” Chief Minister Shah said. “Anyone who delays a project, whether a construction company or an office under the ministry, will face legal action.” He noted that a road project in remote Bajura has been stalled for a long time and directed that it be completed within the stipulated timeframe, with quality construction and trust-building among the local residents.

Chief Minister Shah said the provincial government will take full responsibility for supervision, monitoring, and resolving issues related to the projects. He also instructed authorities to facilitate movement by managing the landslide that occurred on the Martadi-Kolti Road.

During the review program, emphasis was placed on timely completion of the under-construction Martadi-Kolti-Pilichaur road, Sera-Antichaur-Thamlek, Jayagarh-Mazhethana-Ramaroshan, Chisapani-Jangalghat-Badimalika (Jangalghat-Turmakhand-Basakanda section) in Achham and Bajura. Similarly, the Khaptad-Martadi-Bhaunera-Antichaur road section, Khaptad-Martadi-Dogadi-Gairikhand-Kanda, Binayak-Layati-Puletola-Ramaroshan, Chisapani-Jangalghat-Badimalika-Garitand-Kalagaun-Darna, and Sanfe-Nandegada-Mellekh-Shodsha-Rishidaha roads were also highlighted for timely completion.

The contracts for these road projects, being constructed through the Infrastructure Development Office, Achham, have been awarded to Bajraguru Construction Company Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu, Anak Jayadevi JV Nepalgunj Banke, PS Baniya JV Hetauda Makawanpur, Baniya-Kusheshwor JV Hetauda Makawanpur, and Baniya Nirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd. Makawanpur. Likewise, KSM-KBC/Tez JV Dhangadhi, Shanidev Nirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd. Mahendranagar, and Naati Construction Pvt. Ltd. Imadol Lalitpur have also been entrusted with the construction responsibilities.

During the discussion, construction entrepreneurs said delays were caused by compensation-related issues, difficulty in removing houses and huts, low manpower, and land acquisition problems. They also cited rising prices of construction materials, economic recession, disputes related to the forest sector, and geographical remoteness as reasons for not completing the projects on time. The program was organized by the Infrastructure Development Office, Achham.