Minister Ghising Advocates Use of Local Products in Construction

Patan (Lalitpur), — Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising has urged greater promotion and use of local products across Nepal, highlighting their economic and environmental benefits.

Speaking at the launch of the Bamboo Structures Design Guidelines 2082, organized by Habitat for Humanity Nepal under the theme “Bamboo Housing for the Future”, Minister Ghising emphasized the importance of leveraging local production and technology.

“The use of local products and technology will create employment opportunities. Commercial bamboo cultivation can not only meet domestic construction demand but also reduce foreign currency outflow. Therefore, we must focus on using local construction technology while preserving our originality,” he said.

Ghising, who also holds the Ministry of Urban Development portfolio, noted that reliance on imported timber and construction materials has negatively affected the economy. He stressed the need to utilize bamboo and other local materials for constructing durable, technology-friendly, and earthquake-resistant structures.

Supporting the initiative, Gopal Prasad Sigdel, Secretary at the Ministry of Urban Development, stated that the Ministry is ready to prioritize and promote the use of local products. Rabindra Bohara, Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, added that the Department is committed to formulating and implementing policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures to ensure the construction of climate-friendly, earthquake-resilient structures suited to local conditions.

The guidelines aim to encourage sustainable construction practices while boosting employment and supporting domestic industries through the use of indigenous materials like bamboo.