Prime Minister Prachanda Emphasizes Infrastructure Development for Economic Growth

In an address at the 16th National Convention of Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, widely known as ‘Prachanda,’ highlighted the government’s commitment to prioritizing large-scale infrastructure projects. He stressed the crucial role of the infrastructure sector in modern development and outlined the government’s vision for economic progress through timely and quality construction.

“The door to economic development would be opened if the big projects in the road, highway, energy, electricity, communication, airport, irrigation, drinking water, and sewerage sectors are completed within the stipulated time through quality construction,” stated Prime Minister Dahal during the inaugural session.

Underscoring the importance of timely project completion, he expressed concern that delays could hinder overall national development and economic prosperity. The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges faced in the development process, emphasizing the need to address disputes and hassles to ensure projects are completed efficiently.

Prime Minister Dahal specifically highlighted the government’s focus on key projects, including the 10,800-megawatt Karnali Chisapani Hydropower Project and the 400-Kv transmission line project. He urged engineers to utilize their knowledge and skills to overcome difficulties in development and construction works.

The Prime Minister also announced the government’s positive stance on establishing the Engineers Staff College to enhance the capacity, professional development, and progress of engineers. During his first year in his third term as Prime Minister, he emphasized the government’s commitment to combating corruption, ensuring good governance, and addressing economic challenges.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, echoed the sentiment that infrastructure development is crucial for the nation’s progress and called for responsible and motivated efforts. He emphasized cooperation to formulate policies, plans, and guidelines necessary for nation-building.

Urban Development Minister Sita Gurung emphasized the coordinating role of engineering services to enhance the effectiveness of development efforts. She urged engineers to address citizen concerns about the civic-friendliness of infrastructure developments.

NEA President Dr. Hari Bahadur Darlami urged the state to fully utilize the skills of engineers for national prosperity. He called for an acceleration of capital building by increasing the budget for development expenditure, demanding the fixation of minimum remunerations for engineers and an increase in the quota for individuals from technical backgrounds in government service.