Local goons harassing contractors

CONTRACTOR Ram Sharan Deuja was starting work on developing a tourist information centre at the Pashupati Area Development Fund six months ago after being awarded the contract, but local goons disrupted the work demanding 5 percent of the contract amount — Rs 35 million. After he refused to pay the money, the thugs vandalized the settlement of workers employed for building the centre. Deuja also sought police help, but the goons were released in bail after two weeks and continued to harass the workers. Deuja was then forced to pay Rs 45,000 that the thugs had paid for bail. “I didn’t negotiate the payment with them (the goons), but they reached a deal with my subcontractor. After the payment, situation has been peaceful,” Deuja said, narrating how goons are harassing contractors. Deuja heads Shyam Sundar Nirman Sewa Private Limited. Until few years ago, goons and youth wings of the political parties would prevent potential bidders from taking part in bid to help their desired firms get contract. But after government offices adopted the e-bidding system, such a trend has largely vanished, according to contractors. The government started implementing the e-bidding system since 2007. The budget for the current fiscal year has provisioned that government authorities have to go for e-bidding for projects worth more than Rs 6 million. Not being able to influence the bidding process, the goons now are harassing contractors demanding money. “Many contractors fear exposing the goons amid the government’s failure to provide security,” said Deuja. According to contractors, if they refuse to pay the money, the goons even burn construction equipment. Federation of Contractor Association of Nepal President Jaya Ram Lamichhane said contractors have been facing harassment “heavily”, particularly in rural areas. “Usually, local goons having connection with big gangsters harass the contractors,” he said. “After the implementation of the e-bidding system, the thugs have shifted their focus on construction sites.” Deuja said contractors in Tarai and hilly areas are facing more intimidations at construction sites. Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works Tulasi Sitaula also admitted that they have received such complaints. “Whenever we receive complaints, we have been asking the local administration to provide security to the project,” he said.