Govt implements 'contingency expenditure work procedure' for construction projects

KATHMANDU: The government has enforced the 'Contingency Expenditure Work Procedure, 2081' for managing temporary human resources required for monitoring, supervision, operation, and consulting services related to construction works.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, implemented the work procedure through a minister-level decision, with the Ministry endorsing it on November 17.

A taskforce headed by Indira Dahal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), prepared the work procedure. Taskforce members included Muna Sharma, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Bishnudev Yadav, Under-Secretary at the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation; Subarna Khanal, Under-Secretary at the Department of Power Development; and Nirajan Sapkota, Under-Secretary at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Khimananda Gyawali, Under-Secretary at the Law and Decision Implementation Section of the MoEWRI, served as the member secretary.

The work procedure has been implemented based on the taskforce's report. It aims to simplify expenses incurred on dispute resolution, incentives, studies, research, consultation, and human resource management required for the office.

The procedure also facilitates the preparation of bids related to construction, publication of information, procurement of fuel, stationery, furniture, telephone, electricity, and water tariffs, as well as the purchase or rent of vehicles, tools, equipment, and maintenance works.

For regular supervision and monitoring of construction, consultancy, purchase of goods, and installation, the office can allocate a maximum of 25% of the contingency amount and send it to the department for the purchase of vehicles, tools, and equipment. The concerned department or office can purchase vehicles with the consent of the Ministry of Finance.

According to the procedure, cost estimates should consider the geographical location of the project area, other initiatives operated by the same project around the project area, the complexity and workload of the work, the qualifications required for the supervisor, and the technical capacity and availability of human resources.

The MoEWRI stated that the work procedure aims to make construction works more effective and expedite the construction of projects under it.

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