The Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal (FCAN) has announced a series of protests after the government failed to clear their dues on time. The FCAN announced that the contractors will start phased protests starting from January 16.

According to the FCAN, they will begin the protests by submitting memos to the prime minister and ministers overseeing development and construction works from January 16 to 20 with a 14-point demand.

FCAN General Secretary Roshan Dahal said that a sit-in will be held at Maitighar Mandala, Kathmandu on January 31, a sit-in at PM’s residence in Baluwatar on February 2 while there are plans to block the East-West Highway on February 3.

They have warned of announcing the next phase of protests if their demands are not met. Further protests will include halting all construction activities, including that of national pride projects. They claim that the construction industry is facing a crisis due to factors such as the increase in the prices of construction materials, non-payment by the government for a long time and reduction of facilities provided by the Nepal Rastra Bank.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Paudel admitted that the government had an obligation to pay a total of Rs 28.89 billion to the construction entrepreneurs, out of which Rs 22 billion has already been paid.

DPM Paudel added that he has already made it clear that the government only owes outstanding dues of Rs 6 billion to the contractors and that the amount will be released on priority basis. Meanwhile, the FCAN says the government has paid only Rs 15 billion out of the total dues of Rs 45 billion and they will continue the protests until the government clears the dues.