In Nepal, there is a pressing issue of structural failures due to the lack of adequate strength. The structures may appear strong from the outside, like a coconut, but they are weak or void on the inside. Unfortunately, the required strength of these structures is not being prioritized in current practices. Despite having all the necessary resources, manpower, and equipment, it is challenging to achieve the desired results.
It is widely known that government officers and companies involved in these projects are aware of these shortcomings. This situation is often intentional and can be attributed to the government officers (clients), including mayors, ministers, and individuals with political power. In the current procurement process, projects with costs below Nrs. 20 Lakhs are chosen based on low bidding. However, this opens the door for corruption.
A single consultancy may have multiple registrations with different managing directors, allowing them to submit multiple bids for procurement projects below 20 lakhs. The clients award the project to the consultancy that offers them the highest bribe, typically around 50% or 60% of the project cost. Consequently, the consultancy receives half of the total project amount but is expected to complete all the work within half the budget. As a result, it becomes nearly impossible to achieve quality outcomes in such projects.
These consultancies often employ inexperienced engineers who are willing to work for lower wages. Freshers or inexperienced engineers are assigned tasks such as surveys, which are crucial for project design. However, the quality of these surveys is compromised due to the limited experience and expertise of the individuals involved. Consequently, the overall project quality suffers, and expecting a high-quality outcome becomes akin to dreaming in the morning.
Nepal has a considerable number of engineers, with over 50,000 registered in the council each year. However, many of these engineers lack practical experience as they are primarily equipped with theoretical knowledge and have limited or no internship opportunities. As a result, they are ill-prepared to deliver professional work. In the context described above, engineers are forced to work on projects with low bids and a significant reduction in project value. Naturally, the quality of their design work suffers as well. Under such circumstances, it is unrealistic to expect high-quality outcomes.
It is crucial to address these issues urgently to ensure the safety and reliability of structures in Nepal. Reforms should be implemented in the procurement process to prevent corruption and ensure that projects are awarded based on merit rather than bribery. Additionally, initiatives should be taken to provide practical training opportunities and internships to newly graduated engineers, enabling them to gain valuable experience and enhance their professional capabilities. By prioritizing quality and expertise, Nepal can work towards a future where its structures are not only strong on the outside but also robust and reliable on the inside.
