'Expo will fill construction entrepreneurs with renewed optimism'

Jayaram Lamichhane, President of Federation of Contractors´ Associations of Nepal (FCAN), an umbrella organization of Nepali contractors, is managing director of Swachchhanda Nirman Sewa (SNS), a class ´A´ construction company in Nepal. The economics graduate, Lamichhane has been involved in construction sector for more than two decades. His firm SNS has already won international contracts in Combodia, the UAE and India, besides many more contracts for some big projects at home. He is also a promoter of Down Town Apartment, a housing company. He spoke to Republica about the current status of construction sector in the country. Excerpts[break]



Why is there no momentum in the construction sector at present?



We are going through a long economic and political transition after a decade long conflict. As the country is still facing political instability, carrying out infrastructure development works and construction activities has become tough. Politically motivated activities are also major obstacles for smooth functioning of construction works. As a result, construction works are not being completed within the stipulated time. Worse still, the absence of a full-fledged budget has further aggravated the situation this year. This situation will continue and may even deteriorate further if the government fails to come up with a full-fledged budget.



Given the situation, how would you assess the future of construction activities?



We are still in the initial phase of overall infrastructural development. We haven´t been able to develop necessary infrastructures that are indicators of the development of a country. We have not yet implemented mega projects. However, it is a positive sign that the country is seeing newly designed mega infrastructure projects. If the political stability is restored in the country, no doubt that construction sector will emerge as one of the lucrative sectors in the country. The government has to work on creating favorable environment for construction activities in the country. Nepali construction workers are capable to undertake any mega project in the country.







The construction expo is the first ever in the country. How optimistic are you about its outcome?



It is a matter of pleasure that the first ever construction expo is taking place at a time of prolonging slowdown in the construction activities in the country. For us, it is like a festival. It is expected to fill construction entrepreneurs with renewed optimism. I am hopeful that this kind of expo will help to share knowledge and information about recent developments in construction technology. The expo is expected to be instrumental in enhancing the skills and quality of the people engaged in construction sector.



So, we have to continue organizing such expos for sensitizing the construction related issues besides helping construction entrepreneurs, construction workers and customers update their knowledge about modern technologies applied in construction sector. We are also targeting construction workers in this expo. We are also hopeful that the expo will provide some relief to the entrepreneurs who are losing hope.



How can we tackle the problems seen in construction sector?



The starting point for a boost in the construction industry is to ensure political stability in the country. The government also has a major role to play in creating favorable environment for construction sector. We will be able to bring construction activities back to normal once the country returns to stability. I am sure the construction sector takes a leap forward once the environment becomes more favorable. Unfortunately, the government still has not recognized the construction sector as an industry. This sector can´t take a momentum until and unless the government doesn´t accept its role in development, revenue contribution and employment generation.

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