#news #airport #corruption #Nepal
The Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament has prepared a report based on the investigation into the ‘Pokhara Regional International Airport’ site inspection conducted by its subcommittee. The report reveals irregularities amounting to around 10 billion Nepalese Rupees in the construction process of the airport. Following a ten-month study, the subcommittee, led by Ramesh Khatri, highlighted instances of corruption even from the agreement stage.
The initial estimated cost for the construction of the airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal was around 145 million US dollars. However, the Chinese contractor company, China Engineering Company (CEEC), secured the contract for 215 million dollars, an increase of 86% from the initial estimate, which the subcommittee deemed as corrupt. Reports indicate misappropriation of funds under various headings such as filling soil, constructing fuel tanks, digging drains, and consultancy fees.
The ‘Pokhara Regional International Airport’ project, funded by a loan from China’s Exim Bank, has been a subject of controversy since its inauguration in May 2079 (Nepali date). Despite being an international airport, aside from some Chinese charter flights, no other international flights have operated from the airport.
Ramesh Khatri, representing Kansai Nepal News, expressed concerns over the alleged corruption surrounding the airport project. He emphasized the need for further investigation into the unauthorized publication of misleading reports related to the project. The contractor company has refuted these claims, insisting that they followed all legal and financial protocols during the construction.
The contractor company also highlighted their contributions to the local community during the construction process, providing employment opportunities to Nepalis and promoting local sourcing of materials. However, discrepancies in the construction process have raised doubts, with the subcommittee urging swift action against any implicated officials.
Ramesh Khatri and Manish Jha, members of the Public Accounts Committee, raised questions about the contractor company’s communication style, urging for clarity and transparency in their statements. The government is now expected to address these concerns and ensure accountability in the airport construction project.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: May 24, 2025 12:00 am
