Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Construction entrepreneurs say the government failed to release payments worth Rs 25 billion for completed infrastructure works in the current fiscal year.
Organizing a press meet on Thursday, the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) said the government released only Rs 35 billion to construction entrepreneurs in the current fiscal year. “We were awaiting the release of payments worth Rs 60 billion, including Rs 40 billion pending since 2021,” FCAN General Secretary Roshan Dahal said. “But only Rs 35 billion was released.”
FCAN President Rabi Singh said that the delay in releasing payments for completed works has not only affected the construction sector but also related industries such as cement, steel, and aggregates, putting many jobs at risk. “The construction sector, which contributes about Rs 300 billion to the economy and provides employment opportunities to 1.5 million people, is in crisis due to the government’s apathy,” Singh said. “Contractors who haven’t been paid are forced to hide in Kathmandu as they are not in a position to pay their outstanding dues.”
According to FCAN, some 5,000 construction entrepreneurs are at risk of being displaced due to the government’s delay in releasing payments.
