Construction of big projects is on government's priority, insists PM Dahal

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said that construction of the big infrastructure projects is on government's priority.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 16th National Convention of Nepal Engineers' Association (NEA) here today, he maintained that the main priority of modern development should be on infrastructure sector.

"The door to economic development would be opened if the big projects in the road, highway, energy, electricity, communication, airport, irrigation, drinking water and sewerage sectors are completed within the stipulated time through quality construction," PM Dahal said.

He stressed on the need of building big projects on time to take benefit from them, citing that the delay in works of construction of infrastructures will also slow down the works related to the country's overall development and economic prosperity.

"A big section of the state is far from the fruits of development in the absence of big infrastructures. Development and construction is a long and complex process. If this process takes speed in normal way, any project can be completed within the stipulated time," PM said adding that the situation at present is such that the overall cost of development projects goes on increasing, adding to the economic burden to the state as projects cannot be completed on deadline due to the unnecessary dispute and hassles.

According to him, the government has been pursuing the construction of the 10,800 megawatts capacity Karnali Chisapani Hydropower Project and 400-Kv transmission line project with priority. He stated that happiness can be brought in the faces of the people if results could be achieved in time utilizing own knowledge and skills through the best managerial way by tearing apart the various sorts of difficulties encountered in the development and construction works at present.

PM Dahal said the government is positive on establishing the Engineers Staff College for enhancing the capacity, professional development and progress of engineers.

He added that the government is moving ahead during his first year of his third term as the Prime Minister towards corruption control and guaranteeing good governance while addressing the challenges of the economy.

Stating that Nepal is now moving ahead towards stability after passing through transition, the PM said that he has got the challenging opportunity of fulfilling the promises and commitments the political parties have made to the people.

Also speaking at the programme, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, said, "The development of nation is possible through infrastructure development. Let’s work responsibly with motivation." He also urged the bodies concerned for cooperation to find out policies, plans and guidelines urgent for the nation building.

He also took time to say that the government is serious towards creating more jobs, capacity enhancement of country's workforce and the implementation of minimum wages.

Urban Development Minister Sita Gurung underscored a coordinating role on the part engineering service to increase effectiveness of development efforts effective. "Engineering service is an indispensable part of overall development process," she said, underlining the need of completing any development project within given the deadline.

The Minister also urged engineers to address the citizen's concerns that infrastructure developments are not civic-friendly.

Association President Dr Hari Bahadur Darlami urged the State to fully utilise the skills of engineers to realize its goals for prosperity. As he said, the capital building should be accelerated by increasing the budget for development expenditure.

 The existing annual budget makes up just around 17 percent capital expenditures and the low development expenditures would not make the expected prosperity achievable

He demanded the fixation of minimum remunerations of engineers, establishment of an Engineers Staff College and an increase in the quota for individuals from technical backgrounds in government service.