National pride projects fall short as costs reach over Rs 2,415bn: OAG report
KATHMANDU: A government audit has found that Nepal’s national pride projects, launched to involve people in development and accelerate economic growth, have fallen well short of expectations.
According to the 63rd annual report of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), the government has invested Rs 504.55 billion in these projects so far, while the revised estimated cost for the entire portfolio has risen to Rs 2,415.69 billion. Only three projects have been completed: Gautam Buddha International Airport, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project and Pokhara Regional International Airport.
The report paints a bleak picture of progress across the remaining projects. Five projects have reached 80% or more physical progress, and four projects have achieved between 50% and 80%. Nine projects record less than 50% progress, four projects show no physical progress at all, and two projects are yet to begin.
The OAG notes that most projects have been repeatedly extended and remain unfinished within their original timelines, undermining the value of the investments. The audit calls for stricter enforcement of project schedules to prevent further cost escalation.
The annual document also highlights an omission: there is no update on the Pashupati Area Development Trust, which had been scheduled for completion by fiscal year 2021/22. The lack of information on this project raises additional concerns about oversight and accountability.
The report warns that recurring extensions are an entrenched problem that has driven up costs and raised questions about the overall effectiveness of the national pride project programme.
