Construction Entrepreneurs Protest Over Price Hikes

Kathmandu. Construction entrepreneurs across the country have taken to the streets, stating that they cannot proceed with construction work due to excessive price hikes. The Federation of Construction Entrepreneurs of Nepal has announced a program of sit-ins and demonstrations at government bodies starting today to get their demands met.

Federation spokesperson Mangal Bahadur Shahi said that the entrepreneurs were forced to start the protest as the government did not show interest in their problems. According to him, entrepreneurs are staging sit-ins at all 77 district administration offices across the country from 10 AM today. In Kathmandu, they have also staged sit-ins at the Department of Roads, Department of Irrigation, and relevant ministries.

Spokesperson Shahi mentioned that the price of construction materials has increased unexpectedly due to the foreign war that began on February 28. He informed that about 7 to 8 thousand contracts across the country have been automatically stopped because the government has not adjusted prices despite the increase in fuel and construction material costs. 'It is not possible to work at the current prices, so entrepreneurs have stopped work and sought help from the government,' Shahi said.

Main Demands Are As Follows

The protesting entrepreneurs have primarily put forward three demands.

1. The contract prices should be adjusted according to the increased market prices.

2. The deadline for stalled projects should be extended, and an environment should be created to complete the work by Asar 2084.

3. Clear budget titles and payment arrangements for projects should be made in the upcoming budget.

According to spokesperson Shahi, while all other sectors (transport, hotel, airlines) have increased prices, the construction sector has been hit hard. He warned that if deadlines are not extended and budgets are not managed in time, many projects will become sick, and the government will face additional financial burdens.

The Federation has also objected to the harassment of entrepreneurs amidst the protests. Shahi stated that troubling entrepreneurs in the name of investigation would spoil the investment environment. He urged the government to create a business-friendly environment and maintain a relationship like 'nail and flesh'.

The Federation has announced that protest programs will continue until the government addresses their demands.

Also....

Construction businessmen stage sit-in at road department, photos