KATHMANDU: A 100-meter tall, 18-story view tower in Dapgachhi, Damak Municipality-3, Jhapa, is nearing completion. However, officials are uncertain how to utilize this colossal structure which cost nearly Rs 1.5 billion.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who promoted this project as a “dream initiative” in his constituency, has faced widespread criticism since its inception. Oli, who previously inaugurated projects like the Melamchi Water Supply and Dharahara reconstruction before their completion, has shown little interest in operationalizing the view tower, project officials say. While concerned government agencies are unsure how to operate the tower commercially, the local government is unwilling to take on operational responsibilities.
Sudip Poudel, head of the project office in Jhapa, said that 98% of the tower’s construction is complete. “Although the view tower is nearing completion, we lack the work procedures to utilize it,” Poudel said. “Some minor works like coloring inner areas and constructing the parking area still remain.”
According to Poudel, the Ministry of Urban Development is drafting working procedures to bring the tower into commercial use.
Binu Bajracharya Kunwar, the ministry spokesperson, confirmed that operational guidelines for utilizing the view tower are being developed. “We will soon complete the necessary preparations for finalizing the operational modality,” she added.
The foundation stone for the tower was laid in June 2019 by then-Prime Minister Oli. A joint venture of Chinese company ZCGIEC, Ashish, and Om Sairam is building the tower. The project has received multiple deadline extensions due to construction delays. Initially contracted for Rs 1.38 billion, the project cost has increased to Rs 1.45 billion (excluding VAT), according to the Urban Development and Building Construction Project Office in Jhapa.
Project officials and local representatives have urged Prime Minister Oli to inaugurate the Damak View Tower. However, a high-ranking official from the office claimed that Oli has shown little interest in the matter.
After controversies arose regarding operational procedures and other standards, Oli reportedly asked relevant parties not to rush the inauguration. “The Prime Minister has shown no interest in inaugurating the completed view tower in his own constituency,” the official added.
Project officials say they have not received any inquiries from business and corporate houses regarding office spaces in the view tower. They attribute this to the tower’s location, approximately 6 km from Damak’s main market.
A White Elephant?
The Office of the Auditor General has repeatedly questioned the tower’s rationale. While Prime Minister Oli has defended the government’s investment, critics have labeled the project a “white elephant.”
Infrastructure experts argue that the government has misused a significant amount of money in the name of the view tower. “It is wrong to construct view towers haphazardly in the name of development. No study seems to have been conducted on its benefits before starting construction,” one expert said, adding: “It is difficult to attract businesses to the tower given its location.”
The project has also drawn criticism for not conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Project head Poudel acknowledged this oversight but claimed that the tower’s construction would have minimal impact on the environment.
Local Government Reluctant to Take Charge
The Ministry of Urban Development has stated its intention to hand over the tower’s operation to the local government. However, Damak Municipality has already informed the ministry of its inability to manage and operate the project funded by the federal government. “We are not in a position to take responsibility for the view tower immediately,” Damak Mayor Ram Kumar Thapa said. “The view tower seems to have been built with the objective of developing the area as a commercial center. But it looks challenging, if not impossible, for now.”
The 18-story building includes facilities such as ticket counters, a children’s park, souvenir shops, and public toilets. The 14th and 15th floors are designated for restaurants and cafes, while the 16th and 17th floors are for observation decks.
Project Objectives
According to Poudel, the view tower was initially conceived as a commercial hub for Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Terhathum, Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari. “The plan was to develop it as a commercial tower for eastern Nepal,” he said.
The tower, being the tallest in Jhapa, was expected to attract Indian tourists and serve as both a commercial and tourist center for Koshi Province. “We plan to operate the Damak Tower according to its objectives. This requires coordination between the project, and the local, provincial, and federal governments,” added Poudel.
