Civil society organizations in Bhairahawa have expressed deep concern over an abrupt halt in the upgradation of Gautam Buddha Airport project.

The national pride project had been envisaged to serve the fast-rising businesses in the industrial hub of Bhairahawa and facilitate international pilgrimage tourism to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.

Work at the construction site of the airport upgradation project came to a halt last week, due to payment disputes between the Chinese contractor Northwest Civil Aviation Airport Construction Group and local contractors.

“Locals are largely worried about the project’s future that has been stalled due to payment disputes between the Chinese and local contractors. The much-touted project that is expected to bring economic prosperity in the region should be developed on time at any cost,” said Omkar Gauchan, a local, during an interaction held here on Tuesday.

Litterateur Bijay Sagar said that the delay in the project, due to tussle between two parties, is a cause for concern and added, “We are ready to extend any support for timely completion of the project.”

A gathering of travel and trade entrepreneurs along with senior civil society leaders urged the project to push forward. They suggested that the government should be ready to terminate the company if it fails to take responsibility when they are unable to complete the project on time. 

Om Prakash Sharma, chief of the airport project, said that the problem had aroused over  payment issues between the Chinese and local contractors and it could affect the works for few days. “However, we are making efforts to find solutions.” said Sharma.

He also urged the locals not to worry. “The project will pick up pace once the issue is settled,” he said. “We are also prepared to hire another contractor if the issues are not resolved immediately.” claimed Sharma.

A multi-stakeholder meeting held on Monday reached an understanding to conduct an assessment of works completed so far and due payments that needed to be settled by respective parties within five days.  The Chinese contractor has claimed that full payment has been released to local contractors while nepali contractors, on the other hand, claimed that payments are still remaining.