The Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN) has announced a series of protests, accusing the government of neglecting the challenges faced by the construction industry.
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday, FCAN President Ravi Singh revealed that the protests are being organized following a mandate issued by the Federation’s national assembly in the capital on January 11. He emphasized that the protest is not their choice but a necessity, as the government has failed to address their long-standing concerns.
The FCAN has put forward a 14-point demand list approved by the national assembly. As part of the protest program, the agitating contractors will submit memorandums to the prime minister, deputy prime ministers, ministers, leaders of political parties, and relevant federal agencies between January 16 and 20. During the same period, provincial federations will present memorandums to their respective chief ministers, while district federations will submit them to chief district officers with an ultimatum to address the demands by January 28.
FCAN has warned that they will intensify the protests if the demands are not met. On January 31, the Federation plans to stage a sit-in protest at Maitighar Mandala, followed by another protest at the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar on February 2. From February 3, the Federation will block the eastern and western entry points to Kathmandu. If the demands remain unmet even after these measures, the Federation has warned of escalating the protests by halting all construction activities, including projects of national importance.
FCAN President Singh reiterated that despite being compelled to announce these protests, the Federation remains open to dialogue with the government. He expressed optimism that the public would support their movement, as the struggles of the construction industry are impacting the national economy and driving up construction material costs, which are ultimately burdening consumers. Singh also criticized the country’s impractical laws and policies, which he said discourage both domestic and foreign investors from working in Nepal.
Senior Vice President of FCAN, Ang Dorji Lama, accused the government of consistently ignoring the construction industry's problems. FCAN General Secretary Roshan Dahal urged the government to promptly address the Federation’s demands, while Deputy General Secretary and FCAN Spokesperson Shivahari Ghimire noted that the decision to strike was taken only after repeated efforts to engage the government yielded no response.
