Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah held a discussion with construction entrepreneurs on Thursday on existing problems in the construction sector, promotion of the industry and other issues related to infrastructure development.
During the meeting with office bearers of the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Shah said the government was serious about addressing the challenges being faced by the construction sector, which, he said, is an important driver of the country’s economic development, employment generation and infrastructure building.
Shah said active and effective coordination among all stakeholders is essential to make the construction business dignified, transparent, responsible and result-oriented, and to ensure timely completion of development projects.
FCAN President Nikolas Pandey, Senior Vice President Mukesh Pant, General Secretary Shivahari Ghimire, FCAN Bagmati Vice President Balkrishna Thapa and former President and advisor Jayaram Lamichhane.
During the meeting, construction entrepreneurs briefed the Prime Minister about challenges faced by the construction sector, including payment delays, deadline extensions, contract management issues, timely project implementation, price adjustment, and banking and investment-related problems.
They also called for improved cooperation between the government and the private sector to revitalize the construction industry.
Earlier, the FCAN delegation submitted an eight-point memorandum to PM Shah, drawing the attention of the government toward contract cost adjustment, extension of contract deadlines, sick projects, road right of way and quarry zone to ensure smooth supply of construction materials, and amendments to the Public Procurement Regulations and Construction Business Act, 1998.
