Minister informs HoR, Rs 88.33 billion budget allocated for Intensive Urban Programme

Kathmandu: Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal has said that under the Intensive Urban Programme, which covers urban and market areas, markets in about 300 towns will be made systematic and well-managed.

Responding to questions raised by MPs in today’s House of Representatives meeting regarding the ‘Appropriation Bill 2083’, he informed that a total of Rs 88.33 billion has been allocated for the programme along with a three-year action plan.

Minister Lamsal informed that the budget has been arranged to reduce the procurement process period from 18 to 21 months down to six to seven months. He mentioned that since the programme has a three-year goal with a set timeframe, it seems large, which is why the annual budget appears small.

Minister Lamsal clarified that even though the amount appeared lower in the ‘red book’, the total amount of the three-year budget was planned at around Rs 500 billion for the then physical infrastructure sector and Rs 650 billion for the existing urban sector.

According to him, although the ‘budget book’ shows Rs 286 billion, a total of about Rs 1,150 billion will be allocated over three years with a project plan.

Responding to complaints about not paying attention to road safety and not covering roads and bridges in rural areas, Minister Lamsal informed that high importance has been given to road safety, decoration, and convenient structures.

Responding to questions about why road maintenance hasn’t been prioritised, Minister Lamsal informed that funds have been allocated under three budget headings for road repairs.

Minister Lamsal said that the goal is to provide clean drinking water to 65 percent of the population in three years and 90 percent in five years, and that a budget of at least Rs 10 crore has been sent to 15 branch offices for neglected and essential projects.

RSS