Extortion is on the rise and we simply cannot escape it as government authorities have remained apathetic toward addressing our security concerns, said Suresh Subedi of Eastern Contractors Association (ECA).[break]
“We request the government to create a provision whereby contractors could formally add ´peace and security´ expenses of five percent in total cost estimates while bidding for tender calls,” reads a resolution that 19th general convention of ECA passed in Biratnagar.
Subedi said groups demanding ´donations´ do not let contractors work unless they are paid the money they demand. “They follow us throughout the tender process and even in the construction site, making it impossible to concentrate in our work,” said he.
Contractors said that they are required to ´donate´ Rs 2.5 million to different groups as soon as they bag a contract of Rs 50 million. Ironically, Ganesh Basnet, president of ECA Jhapa said that constructors were mostly receiving extortion calls and threats from UCPN (Maoist) cadres, the very party looking after the Ministry of Physical Planning Works.
“For our safety and smooth execution of construction works, we need to pay donation at the rate of 5 percent. Hence we have sought for its inclusion in cost estimates,” argued ECA members.
Addressing a convention, Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police Binod Singh said that police was seriously working to improve the security situation.
Chief District Officer Suresh Adhikari stated that the government would take strong action against those involved in obstructing the construction process.
However Ramesh Dahal, president of the ECA Biratnagar blamed the government of not taking any concrete steps toward providing security to contractors.
“The obstruction from external groups has been a nuisance to us and chances of losing business haunts us if we do not fulfill their donation demands,” said he.
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