Nepal, Feb. 25 -- Nepal is facing a serious slowdown in its infrastructure drive. The Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal has stated that about 30 percent of government-planned projects over the past decade have stalled. Out of roughly 100,000 projects worth around Rs 1.9 trillion, nearly 30,000 remain unfinished. Contractors cite conflicting provisions in the Public Procurement Act and 41 other related laws as major obstacles. Delayed contract awards, land acquisition hurdles, forest clearance problems, slow payments, and contracts issued without secured budgets are other significant challenges. Irregularities by consumer committees add to the problem. The result: projects drag on for years, bank guarantees are seized, loans...