Don't transfer project chiefs: House Committee

Kathmandu, Aug 5: The Development Committee of the Legislature-Parliament Friday directed the government and concerned stakeholders not to transfer responsible employees – project chiefs and other key officers – of any project until the programmes are completed.

"Key officers of the development projects should not be transferred until the construction of the project is completed. Periodic transfers of project chiefs and technical manpower have affected the smooth operation of development works," Committee chairman Rabindra Adhikari said.

The Committee asked for greater coordination among clients, contractors and consultants in order to ensure timely completion maintaining quality of the infrastructure development and availability of construction materials.

Citing the cost and time overrun of roads, bridge and electricity projects, the committee directed the concerned agencies to effectively implement the technical audit of development projects on the basis of sound database.

Lawmaker Yagya Raj Sunuwar said that in the absence of reward and punishment policy, an electricity sub-station in Okhaldhunga couldn't be completed in 12 years while a bridge over Sunkoshi river has been under construction for a decade.

General Secretary of the Federation of Contractor's Association of Nepal (FCAN) Ram Sharan Deuja mentioned project design and cost estimate, construction materials, adherence to law and policies, attitude of government agencies and contractors and political parties have affected the smooth operation of the development projects.

"The current practice of design and cost estimate should be changed and the government must ensure the availability of construction materials. The government officials and contractors should adhere to the laws and policies as both sides have weaknesses in terms of integrity," said Deuja.

He stated that the political parties and their sister organisations pressurised the contractors for forceful donations.

Deputy Secretary of FCAN Bishnu Budhathoki complained that the contractors had to invest additional money to satisfy the government officers and the sitting ministers. "The government blacklists the contractors but it never punishes the government officials who collude with those contractors," he said.

Former president of FCAN Sukunta Lal Hirachan appreciated the government's decision to develop large infrastructure projects like the Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track and Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectricity Project.

He asked the government to address the confusion regarding to the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) and National Competitive Bidding (NCB).

 The Committee directed the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, and Public Procurement Monitoring Office to implement the Public Procurement Bylaws with needed amendment.