Payment for 10 suspension bridges completed across various districts of Karnali Province remains pending, despite completion of construction within 10 months of the contract, a representative of Himshikhar Hira Construction, Kumar KC, has said.
The bridges were contracted in July 2024 with a completion deadline of 18 months. However, eight of them—built in Jumla (2), Dailekh-Achham (1), Dailekh (1), Mugu (1), Humla (2), and Kalikot (1)—were completed early, yet the government has not released the payment amounting to Rs 110m (including VAT), according to KC.
Six of the bridges were reportedly completed as early as Dec 2024, but a dispute over the Dojam bridge in Humla slightly delayed overall formalities. KC said the non-payment has forced about 30 workers to file a complaint with the district police.
Humla’s Chief District Officer Narayan Pandey confirmed the issue, stating, “The contractor completed work eight months ago. Payments should have been made by now. Contractors who finish work on time deserve recognition, not delay.”
Engineer Nirajan Adhikari from the Local Infrastructure Development Office, Surkhet, said the payment delay was due to pending fund transfers from the Ministry of Finance. “As soon as the funds are transferred, the contractors will be paid within this month,” he assured.
