MP Bodhnarayan Shrestha Challenges Construction Sector Irregularities and Under-the-Table Deals

Kathmandu. MP Bodhnarayan Shrestha has challenged construction entrepreneurs to stop irregularities and 'under-the-table deals' in the construction sector.

Speaking at a meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee, he urged entrepreneurs to be honest in their profession. 'Can you stop unauthorized deals happening under the table? If anyone is stopping work by asking for money, tell us, we will speak in parliament,' Shrestha said.

He stated that due to the negligence of some entrepreneurs, bridges and roads have been left incomplete, and the public has had to bear the consequences, emphasizing that entrepreneurs must also understand their responsibilities.

Similarly, he stated that local stones and soil and technology should be used in Nepal's road infrastructure instead of imported materials. He suggested to the ministry and entrepreneurs to focus on innovations for building roads that operate year-round using local resources, rather than always relying on imported bitumen and diesel.

'We need clear data on the status of which project is in what condition; plans without data do not work,' Shrestha said. He also argued that it is shameful for buildings not to be constructed for 5-7 years in strategic locations like the Rasuwa border crossing, and that the state should not pay additional amounts to contractors for price hikes.