Nepali Congress President Thapa Blames Systemic Flaws for Slow Infrastructure Development, Pledges Overhaul

Kathmandu, February 12: Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa stated that systemic problems, rather than superficial reasons, are the main culprits behind the slow pace of infrastructure development in Nepal.

Stating that rapid development is impossible through 'magic trick' style directives, intimidating contractors, or scolding employees, he asserted that he possesses a clear roadmap to revolutionize the infrastructure sector within the next five years.

In a video message released on social media today, President Thapa illustrated the dire state of national pride projects such as the Narayanghat-Butwal road section, the East-West Highway, and the Melamchi Water Supply Project, concluding that the traditional style of development is no longer effective. He described the situation where major national projects remain stalled for years, and city roads are repeatedly dug up and refilled due to a lack of coordination, as the 'mess' of development.

He noted that the tendency to dig roads immediately after construction for water supply, followed by digging again for drainage and underground wiring, not only increases costs but also causes the nation to lose significant opportunities. President Thapa mentioned that having served in Parliament, parliamentary committees, and ministries for a long time, he has closely observed the problems in infrastructure construction.

“We might receive applause by occasionally intimidating contractors or issuing directives at project sites, but the problem will not be solved,” he said. “We cannot just treat the symptoms; we must treat the root cause.”

Three Dozen Laws Need Amendment

President Thapa believes that the primary reason for delays in infrastructure construction is the outdated legal structure. He argued that the 48-year-old Road Act and the 20-year-old Public Procurement Act cannot address today's needs.

He informed that his study shows that approximately three dozen laws need to be amended, revised, or repealed to ensure infrastructure projects are completed on time. “Without changing the laws, no matter how much noise is made outside, results will not come,” he stated.

Stressing that mismanagement begins right from project selection, President Thapa emphasized the need to end the practice of securing projects based on political connections and pressure. He stated that he is preparing to legally mandate that 'Cost-Benefit Analysis' must be compulsory for project selection, and no one should be able to exercise discretionary power.

Understanding the 'Time Value'

Arguing that prioritizing 'low cost' (low bidding) in the public procurement process has led to the loss of both quality and time, President Thapa proposed prioritizing the 'Time Value of Money' instead. He suggested that legal arrangements should be made to prioritize those who can complete the work quickly, based on the practices in India and other countries.

He emphasized the need to make transparency and social audits mandatory to ensure good governance in the infrastructure sector. He argued that regulatory bodies should be strengthened but not interfered with to the extent that they cannot function.

Furthermore, he stated that the practice of announcing large projects without ensuring financial resources must end. He pointed out that investment in infrastructure can be mobilized by utilizing new financial instruments such as public asset monetization and the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).

Commitment to Transformation in Five Years

Stating that problems were not solved in the past just because a minister wielded a whip threatening to cancel contracts or scolded someone, President Thapa claimed that results will now only come through institutional capacity and legal reforms.

“If we think that problems will be solved miraculously, like casting a spell, the next five years will be wasted. I want to assure you that I will bring transformative change in the infrastructure sector within these five years,” he said.

Committing to completing projects that typically take ten to twelve years in just one or two years and establishing a system for quality work, President Thapa stated that Congress will play a leading role in ending the suffering and harassment faced by citizens.

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