The Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MoPPW) had submitted the report at the PMO following an investigation into the scam. [break]"The report has blamed the contractors only and protected the government officials, though the latter oversaw the project," said a high ranking official at the PMO, adding, "We are surprised at the report."
Earlier, MoPPW had informed that an investigation team headed by MoPPW joint secretary Suresh Acharya found Suraj Rajkarnikar, division chief of building construction and maintenance at the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DoUDBC) and some other officials guilty of irregularities in the construction of the building which caved in less than two years after construction.
"The report says there was a minor mistake from the side of government officials and put the blame entirely on the contractor," a source at the PMO told Republica. "Moreover, the report has not recommended any action against the contractor or the government officials.
Sushil Babu Shrestha was the main contractor of the project.
Responsible government officials tried to avoid commenting on the matter. "I cannot say anything about the matter. Ask the MoPPW," said Ashok Uprety, director general at DoUDBC.
The government had built a one-story house for Bhattarai at Badegaun, Lalitpur, some 15 km from Kathmandu, two years ago. Bhattarai had moved into the house one-and-a half-years ago.
The government-built house caved in a few months ago following continuous rain. The front yard of the main building caved in at many points, while the compound wall built some four months ago also collapsed.
“Government officials are responsible for overseeing whether the contractor constructed the building as per the agreement. If they fail to supervise, they are also held responsible for any loss, damage or irregularities," the source at the PMO further clarified.
According to the source, the report also states that contractor would repair the damaged parts and hence no action should be taken against him.
"It is true that some of the parts of the building caved in. However it happened within the maintenance period. Hence, contractor will repair the damage," states the report.
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