Infrastructure Development Secretary Poudasaini: Budget to Prioritize Incomplete Projects

Kathmandu. Infrastructure Development Secretary Bishwababu Poudasaini has stated that the budget for the upcoming year is being prepared with the priority of completing ongoing and incomplete projects that have been operating on a sequential basis without source consent. He clarified that in the budget for the upcoming year, priority will be given to projects where 60-75 percent of the work has been completed, and resources will be allocated to finish them. He mentioned that in the past, various projects were operated based on budgets received through consumer committees without source assurance. Currently, details indicating that at least 2 billion rupees are required to complete approximately 600 projects have been sent to the Ministry of Finance. The ministry has also requested a minimum of 2 billion rupees for new programs and DPR preparation in 77 districts. He stated that although a total budget ceiling increase of approximately 15 billion rupees has been proposed, there are indications from the Ministry of Finance that only about 500 crore rupees will be added. Secretary Poudasaini said in the meeting, 'In the past, sequential projects were operated without source consent. Work has been progressing based on the budget coming through consumer groups. It has been informed to the Ministry of Finance that at least 2 billion rupees are required for approximately 600 projects. A minimum of 2 billion rupees has been requested for new programs and DPR in 77 districts. In total, an increase in the budget ceiling of approximately 15 billion rupees has been requested. However, there are indications from the Ministry of Finance that only about 500 crore will be added. The current priority is to complete incomplete projects with source consent. The policy is to first complete projects where 60-75 percent of the work has been done.' According to him, approximately 4,800 projects are registered in the project bank for drinking water schemes. Among them, projects will be prioritized based on demands from local levels, work progress, and needs. He also stated that projects with low budgets and less progress will be included in the plan for the upcoming year.