Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has blamed the systemic problems for a slow progress in infrastructure development.
Only giving direction, blaming employees and threatening contractor is not solution, he said, adding that appropriate model of planning is required for which he had prepared a clear draft.
In a video message posted on social media today, President Thapa, who is also the candidate from Sarlahi Constituency-4 for the upcoming House of Representatives election, stated that even the national pride projects like Narayangadh-Butwal roadway, East-West Highway, and Melamchi Drinking Water Project faced severe hurdles, exposing traditional work style.
Sheer lack of coordination has left mega projects in limbo. "It is indeed a wretched condition," he commented.
The NC President further said we are losing a valuable time with such pending projects. "I've closely observed the problems at different layers- from parliament to parliament committee to ministry," he shared, underscoring the need of identifying root causes and resolving these.
According to him, three dozens of laws need revisions - some new bills are required. He reminded that the Road Act is 48-year-old while the Public Procurement Act is 20-year-old, resulting in snail-paced construction works. The cost-benefit analysis are imperative rather than discretionary rights, Thapa said.
The field of infrastructure requires good governance, transparency and social auditing, while strong supervisor is equally significant.
President Thapa floated the idea of monetization of public property and hybrid annuity model (HAM) for the infrastructure sector, and institutional and legal reform for good governance.
The NC President, however, said it is not magic to usher in development. "I assure you that I'll work in a way to transform the infrastructure sector in the coming five years," Thapa announced.
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