For instance, the construction of Kushmishera Primary Health Post in Baglung, which was supposed to be completed 3 years ago, has reached just half way mark. It missed its third deadline recently. The total cost of construction is estimated to reach Rs 20 million. [break]
“The foundation stone for the building was laid five years ago and the construction was supposed to be completed in two years but the work is still going on,” said Jhalakraj Acharya, chief of the health office. “This has affected health services in the village.”
The contract to build the health post was given to Devchuli Gandaki Construction Private Limited.
The story of Charang health post in Myagdi district is similar. The documents related to construction of the building for the health post were submitted to the council of ministers after the work could not be completed even after the deadline was extended thrice.
Reports state that not even a single out of the 24 infrastructure development projects worth Rs 600 million undertaken by the urban development and building construction division has been completed on time. This has directly affected the beneficiaries.
According to the construction officials at the division, the slow progress was due to the inefficiency of contractors, regular strikes and bandas and the unavailability of human resources or construction materials.
Interestingly, the department has not taken action against any contractors so far. Kishor Lal Mahaju, chief of the division, said, "We will look into the matter seriously. Action will certainly be taken against those who acted irresponsible," Mahaju said.
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