Nepal, May 22 -- Three years ago, the government signed an agreement with the joint venture company Passavant-Kalika S&A JV to clean the Tukucha River, which flows through central Kathmandu, and channel clean water into the Bagmati River.

The agreement required the contractor to complete all work by June 5, 2025. However, the contractor has completed only 15 percent of the work so far.

Passavant, a German company, and Kalika, a Nepali firm, formed the joint venture. The contractor has already received an advance payment of Rs 223.53 million from the government. Yet, progress remains minimal, with only foundation pile installation for design and building construction completed to date.

The 62nd annual report of the Office of the Audito...