Monopoly of construction entrepreneurs unacceptable, warns PM Oli

Kathmandu – Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said any kind of 'cartel' would be unacceptable as it was necessary to pursue construction and production works together for achieving prosperity for the country. 

Inaugurating the 20th annual general meeting of the Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal (FCAN) here on Thursday, he urged the contractors to carry out quality works as per the law and within the stipulated timeframe as the present government 'need not make any undue profit or carry out such works.' 

The Executive Chief stated that the contract term could be extended in case there is reasonable situation in which the construction entrepreneurs cannot finish the works in time but the same cannot be done frequently in case of construction companies which have taken up works beyond their capacity and have not completed the works within the deadline. 

He urged the construction entrepreneurs to not only work for their profit but for the welfare of the entire population and expressed the government's determination to take stern action if they tried to make undue profit using substandard or less than the required quantity of construction materials in the construction works.

The Prime Minister also suggested the construction entrepreneurs to enhance their image by carrying out standard works within the deadline since it was necessary to work in a way to get more output at minimum cost considering the country's economic situation. 

He added that the government was ready to revise the acts and laws which are inadequate. 
According to him, it is time for all sectors to carry out works in a planned manner with the country entering the phase of economic development, progress and prosperity from the phase of movement for securing rights after the promulgation of the constitution. 

FCAN president Bishnu Bhai Shrestha opined that prosperity could not be achieved keeping it apart from physical infrastructures. He said the construction entrepreneurs alone should not be blamed for the sub-standard works of the construction projects and the delay in completing the works on time. 

He called for amending some of the clauses of the Public Procurement Act and the Civil Criminal Code, 2074 to make them practicable. 

Senior contractors including Krishna Bhakta Manandhar were felicitated on theoccasion. The AGM will also elect the FCAN's new leadership. 
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