Cost of national pride projects soars to Rs 2415 billion

 Kathmandu, May 15: A government report has revealed that the national pride projects which were forwarded to involve people in the development process and ensure rapid economic development have failed to deliver as per expectation.

The 63rd report of the Office of Auditor General (OAG) disclosed that the government has invested Rs 504.55 billion in national pride projects. So far, only three of these projects have been completed. The annual document paints a grim picture on the status of 27 national pride projects compared to the investments on these. 

The revised estimated cost of the national pride projects now stands at Rs 2415.69 billion. Of these projects, only the Gautam Buddha International Airport, the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project and the Pokhara Regional International Airport have been completed.

Five projects have achieved 80 percent or above physical progress. Four projects have made 50 to 80 percent progress. The number of projects recording less than 50 percent progress stands at nine, while four have no physical progress at all and two others are awaiting start. 

There is no mention of the progress made by the Pashupati Area Development Trust, which was scheduled to be completed by the fiscal year 2078/79, according to the annual report. Most of the projects have been extended repeatedly but not completed within the stipulated time. It has dashed the achievements as per investment. Strict implementation of project timeline is pointed out by the OAG report. 

Recurring extension of projects is an entrenched problem. It has resulted in increasing cost, questioning overall effectiveness. (RSS)