Nepal's Infrastructure Minister Directs End to Corruption and Bribes in Construction Sector

Kathmandu. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Sunil Lamsal, has directed an end to financial irregularities and corruption in the construction sector. He explicitly told construction entrepreneurs not to offer any 'extra fees' (bribes) to any government employee.

The Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal (FCAN) issued a circular to its members informing them about Minister Lamsal's directive. The move follows a meeting on Chaitra 15, 2082, between Minister Lamsal and a delegation led by FCAN Chairman Ravi Singh at the ministry. The Minister took this step following complaints that financial irregularities in infrastructure development were leading to delays and substandard work.

According to the statement issued by the Federation, construction entrepreneurs will no longer be required to pay extra fees to government employees at any level during ongoing projects. If any government employee demands such a fee, they have been instructed to report it directly to the Minister for action according to prevailing laws.

FCAN General Secretary Roshan Dahal, through a letter, urged all construction entrepreneurs to comply with the Minister's directive and cooperate in making the construction sector corruption-free.