By Keshab Raj Paudel, Kathmandu, Nov. 11: Construction of Chief Minister, Province Chief and Ministers' residence is going on in full swing at Bhainsepati, Lalitpur. Around 30 per cent of the construction work has already completed.

Although the construction was expected to finish within two years and 40 per cent of the works were expected to be completed by the end of the ongoing Fiscal Year, the COVID-19 pandemic followed by nationwide lockdown has somewhat delayed the work.

The construction had begun in September 2019.  

Dilip Bhandari, project chief of the construction of special buildings under the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, said that 30 per cent of the construction works had been completed by now.

"We are striving to finish the construction within the deadline by working in the same pace. Although we started the construction 13 months ago, our works got delayed due to the nationwide lockdown," said Bhandari. "Currently, we have deployed additional workers to complete the construction on time."

The meeting of council of ministers held on December 7, 2018 had decided to construct residence for Chairman and Deputy Chairman of National Assembly, Speaker of House of Representatives, Ministers, Chief Minister and State Chief in 147 Ropanis land at Bhainsepatiin Lalitpur Metropolitan City-18.

Bhandari said, "As per the decision, we have been constructing residence for 24 ministers in 96 Ropanis land and Chief Minister's and State Chief's residence in 27 Roapnis land."The contract for construction of ministers' residence has been given to Hanuman Construction while that of Chief Minister and State Chief has been given to KC Samanantar.

Meanwhile, the current ministers' quarter at Pulchowk is being converted into 10 guest houses.

"The construction of guest houses will begin as soon as the ministers' quarter is shifted," said Bhandari.

Photos: Sujan Gurung