6000-capacity mini-stadium construction in limbo

By Chitra Mijar,Sindhupalchowk, Nov. 23: Chautara, the district headquarters of Sindhupalchowk, would have had a 6,000-capacity mini-stadium in operation by now had the contractor, Sunkoshi-Giri JV, completed the construction work on time. 

Giri JV was awarded the contract for the mini-stadium at Rs. 416.2 million in 2019 with a deadline of three years. However, the physical progress of the structure has only reached 70 per cent in five years with the government extending the deadline twice.Moreover, the locals argue that Giri Constructions has now evaded the work by handing over the overall work to their JV partner, Limbu Sunkoshi Construction. Nevertheless, the partner contractor has not resumed the work leaving the area filled with stranded construction equipment and material.

The second contract extension already ended in March, and the local stakeholders have demanded the government blacklist the current contractors, scrap the contract and initiate the process to complete the stadium, which would have a parking space facility for 500 vehicles, at the earliest.

The mini-stadium is being constructed in Tundikhel area of Chautara. The open space was where the local players played to their fullest before the construction of a stadium started. But for the past six years, the stadium has not been completed, and the sport-loving district has not been able to organise a proper sports event. 

“How many times should the deadline be extended for the companies that have no concern for the structure?” questioned Baldev Timalsina, a member of Nepali Congress Mahasamiti, adding, “The works that were halted before Dashain has not been resumed yet. The government should rather blacklist such contractors and provide a solution to complete the stadium soon and elate sports enthusiasts in the district.”

On the other hand, the contractors informed that the construction would regain pace if the contract was extended for the third time, “and if we received the payment,” said JB Limbu, representative of the Sunkoshi-Giri joint-venture.

Local authorities have also raised concern for the lack of inspection and regulation from the concerned higher authorities.

“The Bagmati Province Ministry of Youth and Sports has the authority to decide on the contract and other aspects of the mini-stadium construction. However, the ministry has not taken effective steps, leading the stadium construction in limbo,” said Ran Maya Fyak, chief at the Kavre-based Social Development Office.

Similarly, Bal Krishna Shrestha, chief of the Sindhupalchowk District Coordination Committee, also demanded the provincial government take the necessary steps to complete the mini-stadium as soon as possible.