Lumbini Province Completes Construction of New Administrative Complex in Dang

Butwal. The construction of the Lumbini Province government's administrative building in the provincial capital, Dang, has been completed. The administrative center, which will house the Office of the Chief Minister and various ministries, is now ready.

The provincial government plans to begin operations from the new facility starting from the New Year. Built within the premises of the Rapti Technical School in Rapti Rural Municipality-3, this administrative center is one of the provincial government's most ambitious projects.

The construction contract was awarded to Sharma-Sagun JV, based in Kathmandu. Although the project was originally scheduled for completion by 2082 B.S. Poush 17, the deadline was extended to the end of Falgun due to delays.

Pradip Bhattarai, an engineer at the Provincial Capital Implementation Unit, confirmed to Ratopati that the construction company has completed all structures within the extended period. "The contractor has finished the construction work," he said. "We are currently reviewing the final bill before processing the payment."

Bhattarai noted that the contractor is responsible for any necessary repairs within one year as per the agreement, adding that only minor tasks like landscaping remain.

The Lumbini government signed the contract through the Development Authority on 2079 B.S. Mangsir 28 and laid the foundation stone on 2079 B.S. Falgun 3, coinciding with the province's establishment day.

Engineer Bhattarai stated that the company has completed the Office of the Chief Minister and 10 ministry buildings. While the government has yet to make a formal decision on the relocation date, he noted that the buildings could be utilized starting from the New Year.

A study committee led by Basudev Paudel, Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development, has already submitted a report to the Chief Secretary regarding the use of old and new buildings. Based on this report, the government will decide on the allocation of ministries, departments, and the use of residential quarters and older facilities.

Bhattarai, who also serves as the member-secretary of the study committee, added, "Construction is finished, and the report has been submitted. If the government decides, operations can shift to the new buildings by the New Year."

He praised the construction company for completing the project within the three-month extension, setting a positive example in a country where many projects face significant delays.

Lumbini Province government spokesperson and Minister of Agriculture, Dinesh Panthi, stated that the government will soon make a decision regarding the move. He confirmed that since construction and finishing works are complete, the government will review the study committee's report before finalizing the relocation.

• What was the cost?

The contract for the administrative center was signed with Sharma-Sagun JV, Kathmandu, for 3 billion 92 million 938 thousand 72 rupees, with a three-year completion target. The complex spans 17 bigha, 19 kattha, and 4 dhur, housing 10 administrative buildings including the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers.

The construction company has already received payments totaling around 3 billion rupees. Engineer Bhattarai mentioned that the final bill review might take a few days due to the need for thorough scrutiny.

He aims to keep the final payment below the contract amount of 3 billion 92 million rupees and reiterated the contractor's obligation to handle any maintenance issues within the first year at no extra cost.

Chhabiraj Pokharel, CEO of the Provincial Infrastructure Development Authority, stated that with the completion of the administrative buildings, the government aims to complete other pride projects on time as well.

• What are the ministry buildings like?

Except for the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, the other nine ministry buildings share a uniform design. The Chief Minister's office building is distinct from the others.

The six-story Chief Minister's building, which includes underground parking, is painted white, while the other nine five-story buildings are painted in red and white.

Each building is equipped with individual elevators, according to Bhattarai. The new administrative complex is located near the Provincial Assembly. While the assembly building was constructed a few years ago, the Provincial Assembly Secretariat noted that a provincial library and parliamentary party offices are yet to be built.