Fulfilling public aspirations govt priority: PM Oli

BY BISHNU PRASAD POKHAREL,Damak, Dec. 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that the 'Damak Business Complex' in Jhapa marks a new dimension of development for Nepal. He urged people not to misunderstand it as a view tower and it was the tallest commercial complex in Nepal.

While inaugurating the complex located in Dapgachi of Damak Municipality-3 in his hometown, Jhapa, on Sunday, Prime Minister Oli claimed that it was a new step towards the country's prosperity and the development of modern cities.

He said that the current government was focused on development and fulfilling public aspirations. "When we came into power, the country's economic situation was very poor, but now it is improving," he said. 

The Prime Minister said that his government had prioritised the development of rural areas, as well as urban areas. He also pointed out that those who previously thought a business complex could not function in the middle of fields would be surprised. 

Prime Minister Oli also urged people not to believe misleading claims, emphasising that the country could not be built through insults. He stated that running the country required determination and the right policies.

Recalling his recent visit to China, Oli mentioned that the trip was fruitful and will have long-term significance, bringing new hope to the people. He also informed that his upcoming visit to neighbouring India would be scheduled soon.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh said that such commercial complexes were essential for economic development and served as an example. He assured that the complex would soon come into full operation and said that it was one of the government's special plans.

The Damak Business Complex, whose construction began in 2019, was completed a year ago. Prime Minister Oli had laid the foundation stone of the tower on July 12, 2019. The complex is 100 metres tall with 18 floors. The concrete structure reaches a height of 72 metres, while a 28-metre metal-frame tower sits atop it, making it taller than the Dharahara.

The initial contract amount for the project was Rs. 1.3818 billion, but upon completion, the total cost increased by 5.4 per cent, reaching Rs. 1.45 billion. Ashish Om Sairam Construction Company and the Chinese company ZCGIIC were jointly awarded the construction contract for the tower. 

Additionally, Prime Minister Oli also inaugurated the district office building of the Human Service Ashram in Amadandi of Mechinagar Municipality-4, Jhapa. He laid the foundation stone for the Human Service Memorial building and announced that he would donate one month's salary and his wife, Radhika Shakya, would contribute two months' pension for the memorial's construction.

Prime Minister Oli arrived in Jhapa to attend various programmes. He arrived in Jhapa via Bhadrapur Airport on Sunday morning. Security measures were beefed up following the announcement of the visit by Prime Minister Oli, who is also the Chairman of the CPN (UML). 

According to security sources, security arrangements have been tightened after his arrival.

According to Krishna Kumar Chand, Spokesperson for the District Police Office, Jhapa, security arrangements were tightened after the arrival of the head of the government and other ministers in the district to attend various public functions. 

PM Oli will remain in his home district for two days. Heavy police presence has been deployed at various intersections and market areas in the district. Heightened security was enforced due to potential street demonstrations by groups advocating for the cancellation of the Koshi Province naming, RSP leaders and activists demanding the release of Rabi Lamichhane, and supporters of Durga Prasain calling for his release.

Meanwhile, police arrested 11 individuals from the overhead bridge in Damak, who were preparing to stage a demonstration against PM Oli and Urban Development Minister Prakash Man Singh.