The road expansion drive is facing many hurdles because of the contractors responsible for widening and blacktopping of roads not working as per contract citing various reasons. One of these is that the locals are protesting this drive. It is even alleged that some crafty politicians are encouraging such drives by inciting the locals. It is indeed not possible to reimburse all those whose houses and walls had to be brought down and also lost their land to be provided with compensation. However, it is being mooted to make arrangement to provide such for those who have been affected by the criteria set by the government after the year 2031 B.S. But all those who have encroached on public land to build houses should have their buildings dismantled so that the contractors can get on with their work which is not the case now. Instigating illegal owners of the houses to hold protests should, therefore, not be tolerated.

So, out of the government’s plans to extend 150 kilometers of the roads in the capital valley only 57 kilometers have been completed so far, which is well below the target set initially. Many of these roads such as the one between Tinkune to Kalanki has seen all construction halted because the contractors have asked for more money. This is indeed not permissible. No doubt, many irregularities are taking place in the distribution of the money to the contractors and also owners of houses built on encroached land. Meanwhile, if the government was to pay all the amount that has to be reimbursed it would not have sufficient amount for it in the budget. This calls for some thinking. Therefore, the government and the contractors as well as those whose houses were dismantled in the road expansion construction drive should exercise restraint and allow them to build the roads. Many road sections dug up for the expansion purposes in the Kathmandu Valley are still in a state of disrepair, with various unpleasant consequences. High priority should therefore be given to reconstructing them.