Even nearly two months after the Purano Bus Park was cleared for the construction of a 12-storey multi-purpose view tower, the construction works are yet to start due to short supply of construction material.
Even nearly two months after the Purano Bus Park was cleared for the construction of a 12-storey multi-purpose view tower, the construction works are yet to start due to short supply of construction material.
The bus park has been shifted to Khula Manch for six months.
Jaleshwor Swachhanda Bkoi Builders Pvt Ltd, the company which has bagged the contract to construct the view tower, said it has not been able to start construction due to lack of construction materials.
Commuters and public bus operators have been complaining about the congested space in Khula Manch from where buses are operating now. Half of the 48 ropani land in Khula Manch has been used for the bus park.
The KMC and Jaleshwor Swachhanda Bkoi Builders Pvt Ltd had reached an agreement a year ago to build the tower under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
As per the agreement, the company had announced that the bus station will be restored in the same place, after the basement of the view tower is completed in six months.
Gyanendra Karki, spokesperson for the KMC, said the metropolis would initiate action against the company if it failed to complete the task within the stipulated time frame. “The construction company had assured us that it would complete the basement within six months after which the bus park could be moved back to its original place,” said Karki. “But if the company continues to linger in the same manner, we will be left with no option than to scrap the agreement.”
Manoj Bhetwal, chief of Swachchhanda Bkoi Builders Pvt Ltd, however, said the works have been halted due to short supply of construction materials.
“We have already bought a piling machine from India. Now things will move smoothly,” said Bhetwal.
According to him, the company has already hired over 100 construction workers to resume work.
The Old Bus Park area these days wears a deserted look with only a few private vehicles parked there.
As per the agreement, the builder has to complete construction of the view tower in three years. After operating it for 30 years, the company has to hand over the facility to the KMC.
Anup Ojha is a reporter for The Kathmandu Post primarily covering social issues, crime, and human interest stories since 2011. Before moving to the social beat, Ojha covered arts and culture for the Post for four years.
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