Budget insufficient for multi-year projects, new plans halted
We use Google Cloud Translation Services. Google requires we provide the following disclaimer relating to use of this service:
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, expressed or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.
The programs run by the Dhankuta-based Intensive Urban and Building Construction Project (IUCP) have been affected after the federal government withheld the budget. The IUCP, located in Dhankuta, operates and implements development projects in Dhankuta, Bhojpur and Sankhuwasabha districts.
Until the last fiscal year, Terhathum was also in the project's scope. But it has been removed from this fiscal year. The budget for multi-year plans that have been contracted after securing resources is insufficient. Project Chief Ghanshyam Shrestha informed that new plans that have completed the tender process after completing the technical evaluation have also been stopped.
Under the Integrated Urban Infrastructure Development Program at a cost of Rs 380 million in Mahalaxmi Municipality of Dhankuta, the Intensive Urban and Building Construction Project is carrying out construction work for roads, settlement development and mini markets. Under this, the second floor of the mini market is being sloped, while the subway work on the hospital line is being completed and base and coverstone work is being done on other roads.
The overall physical progress of the work is 75 percent. Shrestha said that although Rs 160 million is required in the current fiscal year, only Rs 10 million has been allocated. There is only Rs 10 million for the Integrated Urban Infrastructure Development Program under construction at a cost of Rs 60 million in Bhojpur Municipality and only Rs 1 million for the Khandbari Khorande Mahadevsthan Chewa Road in Sankhuwasabha.
The work on the sub-base of the Integrated Urban Infrastructure Development Program under construction in Bhojpur Municipality is about to begin. Similarly, the work on the mini-market is being finished. The budget cut has affected almost all projects related to intensive urban development, housing management, settlement development, integrated health infrastructure development and reconstruction.
The projects worth Rs 600 million that are in the contract stage after completing the technical evaluation are also in doubt. There are 72 projects worth about Rs 1 billion in the current fiscal year from intensive urban and building construction projects. These are the sub-headings of the Federal Urban Development Project, Housing Management, Intensive Urban Development, Building Construction Code, Government Building Construction, Settlement Development, Integrated Health Infrastructure Development, Urban Development and Building Construction Department.
But the budget is insufficient in most projects, says Project Chief Shrestha. ‘We have requested the ministry to send additional funds for all projects with insufficient budget,’ says Shrestha, ‘Talks are being held so that the projects that have already been contracted are not stopped.’ He says that he is optimistic that sufficient budget will be received as soon as possible. As the first quarter of the fiscal year is about to end, the physical progress of the Dhankuta, Bhojpur and Sankhuwasabha work areas has been determined. The physical progress of the intensive urban and building construction projects is 35 percent and the financial progress is 6.37 percent.
