Name

Responses of Unstructured Interview

Mr. J. B. Gurung

(Former Advisor, The Federation of Contractor Association of Nepal)

Res-1. MOV

“In the first wave, society itself was made frightening and mentally weakened. In the second wave, we were not able to work due to a lack of time. After that, our mental condition was deteriorating. When we could not work, the workers returned to their native place. It was difficult to manage the workers during the period. The economic sector has become frightening. Personally speaking, the financial situation has deteriorated. Due to the economic crisis, even when COVID-19 has improved slightly, we cannot take off. The financial situation is weak. I even tried to take the help of the bank. While I am not able to pay the previous installment, how will the bank help? Due to this situation in COVID-19, the status of the construction sector is awful. The government should provide the subsidy, but a country like ours with a low economy would face many difficulties. That is why we have to do what we have to do ourselves. The only thing we can do now is to manage the workforce and money ourselves. There is no hope from the government. The ray of light is a bank; what the government has to do is facilitate the contractors for a more accessible loan and installment process in coordination with the bank. If the government could do this little too, we can work.”

Mr. Jaya Kumar Dhakal

(Central Member, The Federation of Contractor Association of Nepal)

Res-2. MOV

“The impact has been tremendous. Even though business people have been affected by the previous situations in the country, COVID-19 has affected even more. Out of the total 15,000 contractors, only 100 have decided where to go and what to do. In this case, the government should help the contractors to keep them motivated and alive in the construction industry. The government needs to pay attention to this because 65 percent of the development budget is worked through this construction industry.

We are dependent on about 1.5 million workers. A large number of workers and their family infected from the COVID-19. The issues of all these workers are the critical concern. We are facing a big problem of workforce management in the construction sector. Besides, the industry was highly affected by workers health, lockdown, and supply chain problems. There is a delay in the completion of the ongoing projects. The government supports are essential to address many issues related to construction sectors.”