Finance Minister Poudel Assures Payment to Contractors Within a Week
Author
NEPSE trading
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has assured that pending payments to construction entrepreneurs will be cleared within a week. Speaking at a program titled “Mobilization of the Development Budget: Roles of the Government and the Private Sector”, he addressed the grievances of contractors who have not received billions of rupees in payments despite completing government projects.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Nepal Economic Journalists Association (NAFIJ), the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal. During the program, Minister Poudel acknowledged that contractors have been waiting for payments from projects completed in the previous fiscal year.
Payment Timeline:
Contractors were advised to visit the relevant ministries and agencies on Sunday to process payments.
The Minister assured that payments would be made by Monday at the latest and guaranteed resolution within a week.
If payments are still delayed, he urged contractors to approach him directly for further discussions and solutions.
Uncertainty Over Pending Amounts:
Minister Poudel admitted that there is a lack of clarity on the total arrears. He emphasized that determining the exact amount would help expedite payments.Loan Repayment Extension:
Addressing the contractors’ concerns about upcoming loan repayment deadlines, he revealed plans to discuss extensions with Nepal Rastra Bank. The current repayment deadline is set for the end of Mangsir (mid-December).Government-Contractor Relationship:
Minister Poudel highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “Blaming each other will not solve problems. The government and contractors must maintain a strong and cooperative relationship.”
He urged contractors to see themselves as part of the government, while the government, in turn, views itself as a partner to the private sector.
