Kathmandu, September 11
Nepal government will scrap the much-hyped Kathmandu-Hetauda tunnel highway project as the company responsible for its construction did not make any effort, says the Transport Minister.
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Bir Bahadur Balayar, says the project will be scrapped as the Nepal Purwadhar Bikash Company could not begin construction works in past four years.
Now, the company is demanding an extension of three and half years to complete the project, but the government will not consider the request, Balayar states.
The Cabinet had endorsed the company’s proposal more than five years ago and it was assigned to start the works around three and half years ago.
The company was also required to submit a financial report within two years, but the report has not been made yet. The report was expected to identify sources for the investment. The government has estimated that it will cost Rs 37 billion.
The company had collected more than Rs 317 million from members of the public, but it has been learned that the money has already been spent.
Meanwhile, Balayar says the money should be returned to the donors. The government, however, has not introduced any plan in this regard yet.
