Kathmandu. Kathmandu View Tower, which has been under construction for about five years, has been completed by only 15% so far. According to Dhurba Kafle, former head of the private partnership unit of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, said they are not in a position to hand over the construction work. At least 75 percent of the work had to be completed by now, but that is not the case.

The underground work has been completed and the work of placing pillars on the ground is underway. Around 100 workers are working daily and as per the rules, Kathmandu Metropolitan City had extended the time for one year to complete the underground work. If the work had been completed on time, the work of eight floors should have been completed by now. It was agreed to build the tower with 11 floors above ground and three floors below ground.

An agreement was reached between Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Jaleshwor, Swachchhanda and Bikoi Wielders Pvt. Ltd. The company started the construction work from August 14, 2016. As per the agreement, the company will be able to build the building with its own investment within five years and run it for 30 years. According to Kafle, the construction of the pillar was planned before the earthquake of 2015, which was disrupted due to the quake. He added, “Even though the situation improved later, work has been halted. The company has been paying taxes to Kathmandu Metropolitan City as per the agreement since the beginning and we cant hand over the construction to another company.”

The construction cost is estimated to reach Rs. 4.70 billion. There will be a bus parking lot on the lowest floor of the column. On the second floor, there will be a light car park, a well-organized movie house, a swimming pool, a canteen, a bank and the ward office of the metropolis.  An area of 23 ropani and five anna has been allotted for the building, out of which 40 percent will be covered by the building and 60 percent will be left vacant. The high house will reflect Nepali art and culture. It is said that 5,500 people will get employment after the construction of the tower.

The foundation stone of the building was laid on November 11, 2015.