Speaker Ghimire insists on completion of new Federal Parliament building project before winter session

Kathmandu, Nov 7: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has directed the bodies concerned for readying the under-construction Federal Parliament Building in Singha Durbar for its operation before the commencement of winter session.     

During his meeting with a company contracted for fixing a sound system in the new structure today, the Speaker insisted on the completion of construction works and the fixation of the sound system by the next two months.     

He also advised the Secretariat officials and staff to pay heed to the use of advanced technology as per the need with mitigation of associated risks.     

Urban Development Minister Sita Gurung stated that the project to construct a new building for the Federal Parliament was the top priority of the government. She underlined the need of bearing in mind the quality concerns while undertaking the building construction and the fixation of a sound system. "Quality should be our concern."     

The building would come into operation before this if things go as per the pan of the agreement reached between the Urban Development Ministry and the construction company Tunditech Joint Venture Company on October 3, 2019.     

It has the contract of reading more than small and large blocks in an area of 151 ropani of land. So far, it just completes the major structures including the roofing.     

As the Company said, five blocks will be readied by the upcoming winter session of the parliament. A Germany-based company contracted to prepare the sound system for the building has assured that it would ensure a quality service.     

Project director Machakaji Maharjan said the construction works were underway with the target of completing the Project by the next six months.     

Under the Project, buildings for the House of Representatives, National Assembly, VVIP chamber and other offices will be build and the estimated cost of the project is Rs 6.92 billion while the contract was signed for Rs 5.2 billion.     

The government in the current fiscal year has allocated to Rs 3.26 billion for the Project. It will feature a 350-seated lobby and a parking lot with the capacity of accommodating 390 vehicles simultaneously. (RSS)