Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed his subordinates to ensure timely completion of development projects, emphasizing the need to end the trend of overspending and delays that adversely affect the public.
According to National News Agency Nepal, during his address at the 54th meeting of the national development problems resolution committee held in Singh Durbar, PM Oli urged ministers, secretaries, and project chiefs to identify and address the issues causing slow progress in development projects. He highlighted the urgency to rectify the situation to prevent further delays and inefficiencies.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over the lack of progress in contracting for the remaining tasks of the Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion project, despite the completion of the tunnel. PM Oli stressed that such delays should not become a norm and emphasized the need to ensure timely results and budget adherence.
Addressing the acute shortage of chemical fertilizers, PM Oli reminded attendees of the existing policy to provide grants to farmers. He questioned the inability to reduce grants while increasing supply, suggesting that such issues must be resolved to avoid public distress.
PM Oli pointed out the significant cost overruns in projects, citing an example where a project initiated with an estimated cost of Rs 12 billion was completed at a cost of Rs 52 billion. He questioned the accountability of those responsible for such financial mismanagement and suggested taking alternative measures if contracted companies fail to deliver on time. He called for a change in work style to expedite development projects.
The four-hour meeting, attended by Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, Chief Ministers, Chief Secretary, and Secretaries, focused on issues related to various ministries. Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Prof Dr. Shivraj Adhikari, presented on economic indicators, public finance management, and the progress of social and infrastructural developments, SDGs, and the country’s upgrade to a developing nation status.