Contractors' Federation Demands Public Apology from RSP Leader Balen Shah

Kathmandu. The Federation of Contractors' Association of Nepal (FCAN) has stated that its serious attention has been drawn to the remarks made by Rastriya Swatantra Party senior leader Balen Shah in Dhangadhi. Organizing a press conference on Monday, the Federation termed the statement "contrary to the election code of conduct, uncivilized, and provocative," and demanded a public apology.

According to the Federation, while addressing an election rally in Dhangadhi on Falgun 6 Balen commented on construction delays, stating, "Roads that should be built in two years are not completed even in twenty years; whether it's by tying them to a tree or making them lie on the road, the road will be built." 

The Federation concluded that such remarks from a responsible individual discourage more than 30,000 construction entrepreneurs. 

Representing seven provincial federations, 77 district associations, associate members, and construction material production associations, the Federation reminded that the private sector plays a vital role in infrastructure development. It claimed that the physical infrastructure sector provides employment to over 2.5 million people, second only to agriculture.

The Federation has also urged the Election Commission of Nepal to take the statement seriously. Additionally, it demanded that the first meeting of the Parliament and the Council of Ministers formed after the election propose the formulation of an integrated "Umbrella Act" for the infrastructure sector.

Over 30,000 Projects Stranded

According to the Federation, although decisions were made after the fiscal year 2073/74 to move forward with nearly 100,000 projects worth approximately 19 kharba rupees, more than 30,000 projects are currently stranded due to impractical policies, regulations, and a lack of resources. 

Citing delays in national pride projects like the Melamchi Drinking Water Project, Nagdhunga Tunnel Way, and the Fast Track, the Federation claimed that legal complexities and impractical acts and regulations are the primary obstacles.

9-Point Demand of Construction Entrepreneurs

For the rapid development of the infrastructure sector, the Federation released a 9-point strategic proposal. 

This includes realistic project prioritization, adequate budget management, allocation of at least 40 percent of the total budget to capital expenditure, amendment of controversial provisions in the Public Procurement Act 2006, measures to stop "low bidding" exceeding 15 percent, simplifying the monthly payment system, formulating an integrated umbrella act for the construction industry, ensuring easy availability of river-based and mine-based materials, and limiting construction work done by user committees to 1 million rupees.

The Federation stated that entrepreneurs face unnecessary problems due to a lack of technical knowledge regarding the construction sector in regulatory bodies and demanded the government ensure their security. "When the construction industry is adversely affected, it impacts everything from revenue collection to the overall economy," the Federation stated. 

At the end of the press conference, the Federation urged all political parties and stakeholders to give responsible statements and accelerate infrastructure development through construction-friendly policies and legal reforms.