Written Explanation Requested from 19 Contractors Who Have Not Commenced Work Despite Signing Agreements
March 4, Khotang – The Physical Infrastructure Development Office has directed 19 construction companies that have not started construction work even two months after signing contracts to submit written explanations. These companies had signed contracts for 26 projects but failed to commence work within the stipulated timeframe, prompting the office to demand written clarifications within seven days.
The office has sent notices to the following companies: Yunan Construction Service Udayapur, Vishwashikhar Construction Service Udayapur, Arjun Point Engineer Developers Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu, Right Brother RTD JV, Imo Builders Pvt. Ltd., Shilanyas Engineering Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Dhading, Shantibhoomi Construction Pvt. Ltd. Khotang, Ansubi-Nepal-Phulbari-Pingla JV, SR Construction Khotang, Nirma Construction and Suppliers Pvt. Ltd. Khotang, Ranasampang Construction Pvt. Ltd. Khotang, Bhishanhang Construction Pvt. Ltd. Bhojpur, Barahpokhari Construction and Suppliers Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu, Pathibhara Construction Service Udayapur, Dhansuna Construction, B and B Construction Service Udayapur, Khokchilipa-Salme RTD JV, DB Construction Udayapur, and Digi Construction Service Khotang.
Shantibhoomi Construction Pvt. Ltd. Khotang has contracts for three projects, while Vishwashikhar Construction Service Udayapur, Pathibhara Construction Service Udayapur, B and B Construction Service Udayapur, DB Construction Udayapur, and Arjun Point Engineer Developers Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu each have contracts for two projects. Chief Engineer Binam Dahal of the Physical Infrastructure Development Office stated that the companies have been asked to provide a detailed written explanation within seven days, including the reasons for not initiating work as per the agreements.
“When work does not start on time, the rainy season begins, which affects construction quality, especially for projects started towards the end of the fiscal year,” he explained. “Failure to commence work promptly results in incomplete projects. Moreover, the budget allocated for these projects risks being frozen. Therefore, we have requested written responses within seven days.” The office also warned the contractors to immediately begin work, highlighting that project delays cause hardships for local consumers and the general public.
Construction companies have been instructed to complete all work according to quality and volume standards within the specified timeframe under the direct supervision of technical staff deployed by the office. Accounting Officer Sitaram Raut added that if work is not started by the deadline, the office will forfeit bank guarantees without granting unnecessary extensions, as per the law. “Initially, we will request written answers. If satisfactory replies are not received, further legal action will be initiated,” he said.
This year, the Koshi Province Government, through the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development and the Infrastructure Development Directorate via the Physical Infrastructure Development Office, has signed contracts for 123 projects in the district. Apart from the 26 projects with delayed work starts, the remaining projects are progressing rapidly, according to Chief Engineer Dahal.
