PPMO issues ultimatum to construction companies amidst blacklisting recommendations

KATHMANDU: The Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) under the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has issued a notice to nine construction companies, demanding explanations within seven days on the recommendation of various government bodies. The PPMO has sternly warned that failure to provide satisfactory justifications within the given timeframe may result in the companies being blacklisted.

The PPMO’s move comes after various agencies of the Government of Nepal recommended the blacklisting of these construction companies. Initially, a 30-day deadline was set for the companies to present their explanations. However, as none of them complied within this period, the PPMO has now shortened the deadline to seven days.

Among the companies facing potential blacklisting is Pushpanjali Construction and Suppliers, based in Kathmandu, headed by Hari Dev Pandey, and New Bheri Engineering Workshop Surkhet, headed by Begendra Jung Barmashakha. Bardaghat Municipality and New Kumakh Rural Municipality, Salyan, respectively, have recommended these two companies for inclusion in the PPMO blacklist.

Aravali Infrapower India, recommended for blacklisting by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has also been given a seven-day ultimatum to provide an explanation. Rakesh Jolly from New Delhi is the key figure in this company, with Bhushan Thapa serving as the official representative in Nepal.

The list of companies facing scrutiny also includes Prem Krishna Shrestha of Pranish International Pvt Ltd, Kathmandu, and Shyam Bahadur Jargamgar of Koshi Nirman Sewa, Kathmandu. These companies have been recommended for blacklisting by Nepal Police Headquarters and Sunkoshi Rural Municipality, Sindhuli, respectively.

The Road Improvement and Development Project Directorate of the Department of Roads recommended blacklisting for Jagdish Chandra Agarwal and Dinesh Chandra R Agarwal of Infracon Pvt Ltd and Dan Bahadur Karki of JV Shankarmali Nirman Sewa. The PPMO has requested clarification from these companies within the stipulated seven days.

Additionally, the PPMO seeks explanations from Rajkumar Rawat of Mama Bhanja Nirman Sewa, Udaipur, Dashrath Waiba of Satyashwori Construction Pvt Ltd, Kathmandu, and Prem Prasad Adhikari of Panchkhal Construction Pvt, New Baneshwar, Kathmandu.

These companies are under consideration for blacklisting by Suryodaya Municipality Ilam, Indra Sarovar Rural Municipality, Makwanpur, and Water Resources and Irrigation Development Division Office, Dhulikhel, respectively.

Should these companies be blacklisted, they would face restrictions from engaging in any public agency projects under the Government of Nepal. The PPMO’s ultimatum emphasizes the gravity of the situation and underscores the need for transparent and accountable practices in the construction sector.