Officials at the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA) said they are having difficulties as contractors who carried out the projects are exerting pressure for funds. “We completed all the proposed tasks. Now it’s time that the government addressed our pleas,” said Bhaikaji Tiwari, KVDA deputy commissioner. “Our only concern is to pay the contractors as soon as possible,” he added.

The KVDA has not received any of the funds allocated for beautification projects which included planting trees, painting and revamping parks. The government had promised Rs 100 million for the KVDA to complete these tasks. “Of the allocated funds, we received around 10 million from Nepal Telecom, which invested in the projects under public-private partnership. Hence, the government has to provide us around Rs 90 million,” Tiwari said. The Finance Ministry is responsible for releasing the budget.

Besides the KVDA, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is also undergoing similar problem as it is yet to receive funds from the government. “It would be easier if the government disbursed the amount as soon as possible,” KMC chief Dhana Bahadur Shrestha said. The government has to release Rs 90 million to the metropolis