National pride projects in Nepal have been heralded as game-changers for the country’s economy. However, a closer look at their progress reveals a disheartening reality. Despite significant investments in terms of time and money, satisfactory advancement has been elusive. The government’s ambitious plans have been hindered by delayed completion and escalating costs.
NepalNiceties delves into the challenges faced by these projects and the need for improved efficiency and accountability.
Slow Progress and Rising Costs
The projects of national pride, crucial for economic development, have been plagued by sluggish progress. One major factor contributing to the slow pace is the tendency of contractor companies to prioritize cost increases over timely completion. This not only hampers the overall progress but also diminishes the effectiveness of these projects. Additionally, obstacles such as land and canal adjudication issues, procedural difficulties in land acquisition, and resource shortages have further impeded progress. The government has taken measures to address these challenges, including the possibility of blacklisting contractors failing to meet project deadlines.
Project Status and Concerns
According to the commission overseeing these projects, only a dozen out of the total projects have achieved 80 percent physical progress. Six projects fall within the 50 to 80 percent completion range, while three projects are lagging at less than 50 percent progress. Noteworthy among the projects with slow advancement are the Sunkoshi Marine Diversion Multi-Purpose Project, Mahakali Irrigation Project, Electricity Transmission Project, Gaidakot Ramdi Maldhunga Road, Rashtrapati Chure Tarai Madhesh Conservation, Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project, and North South Public Road. These projects have faced various challenges, hindering their timely completion.
Successful Exceptions
Despite the overall lackluster progress, a few projects have managed to reach completion or make substantial headway. Notable among these are the Melamchi water supply, Tamakoshi hydropower project, Gautam Buddha International Airport, and Pokhara Regional International Airport. These projects serve as a glimmer of hope and demonstrate that with proper planning and execution, national pride projects can achieve their intended objectives.
Way Forward
To overcome the obstacles hindering national pride projects, a multi-pronged approach is needed. The government should prioritize the selection of reliable and competent contractors, ensuring that they adhere to project timelines and demonstrate efficiency in execution. Efforts to streamline land and canal adjudication processes should be intensified, and procedural difficulties in land acquisition must be addressed. Moreover, sufficient allocation of resources such as electricity, internet, and vehicles should be ensured to facilitate smoother project implementation. Through enhanced accountability and effective project management, Nepal can improve the progress of its national pride projects and fulfill its economic aspirations.
National pride projects in Nepal hold tremendous potential for economic development. However, the slow progress and rising costs have underscored the need for urgent action. By addressing the challenges faced by these projects, implementing effective oversight mechanisms, and fostering greater accountability, Nepal can realize the transformative power of these initiatives. Only then will the nation be able to reap the full benefits and truly take pride in its achievements.
Nepal’s National Pride Projects
- Sikta Irrigation Project
- Babai Irigation Project
- Rani-Jamariya-Kularia Irrigation Project
- Bheri-Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project
- Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project
- Budhigandaki Hydropower Project
- West Seti Hydropower Project
- Gautam Buddha Regional International Airport
- Pokhara Regional International Airport
- Second International Airport, Bara
- Pashupati Area Development Project
- Lumbini Area Development Project
- Mid-Hills Pushpalal HIghway
- East-West Railway
- Terai Hulaki Marg
- North-South Koshi Corridor
- North-South Kaligandaki Corridor
- North-South Karnali Corridor
- Kathmandu-Terai Expressway
- Melamchi Drinking Water Project
- President Chure-Terai Madhesh Conservation Area Program
Source: Nepal Planning Commission NPC