Nepal Engineering College | Thesis Abstract

All Thesis Abstracts

Factors Causing Design Changes During Construction Stage in Selected Government Building Projects Under Office of Federal Urban Development and Building Construction, Kathmandu Division.

Luniva Shakya

Dr. Dinesh Sukamani

Assessment of Ride Sharing Services and User Preference Shift from Two-wheel to Four-Wheel Vehicles: A Case Study in Kathmandu Valley

Resham Lamsal

Prof Dr Thusitha Chandani Shahi

Assessment of Time Duration Estimation Models for Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build Bridge Projects under Department of Roads

Mukunda Kumar Karn

Er. Parikshit Kadariaya

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOOD IN DHANGADHI SUB-METROPOLITAN CITY, KAILALI, NEPAL

Chitra Raj Joshi

Dr Narayan Prasad Koju

Growth of Urban Infrastructure through Land-Based Financing: A Study of Budhanilkantha Municipality.

Bimal Shahi

Dr. Dinesh Sukamani/ Mr. Manoj Kuwar

Commercial Water Extraction and Perceived Climate Change impacts on Water Securities leading to Conflicts in Matatirtha of Chandragiri Municipality, Nepal.

Rabina Bhattarai

Associate Professor Robert Dongol

Stakeholders Perspectives on User Committees: Assessing Effectiveness, Challenges, and Solutions in Infrastructure Projects of Palungtar Muncipality

Student: Pravin Devkota

Supervisor: Er. Subash Kumar Bhattarai

Submitted Date: July, 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness, challenges, and potential solutions associated with User Committees managing infrastructure projects in Palungtar Municipality. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed stakeholder perceptions—including community members, municipal officials, and project beneficiaries—on the formation, implementation, and outcomes of these committees. Eighty-eight respondents from user committees, municipal engineers/sub-engineers, and municipal assembly members were surveyed using structured questionnaires. Additionally, in-depth insights into challenges and solutions were gathered from Key Informant Interviews with three municipal leaders (Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and CAO). Exploratory Factor Analysis and descriptive statistics (Fisher‘s test, Cramer‘s V, Risk Estimates) were deployed for the first objective, while the second objective was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Mixed ANOVA, and the third using thematic analysis. Results indicate that stakeholders generally view User Committees as effective but note significant challenges such as political interference, logistical coordination, and adherence to safety standards. Gender-based analysis revealed differing perceptions and experiences between male and female stakeholders, impacting the perceived challenges and effectiveness of these committees. The discussion highlights the critical role of User Committees in fostering community involvement and transparency yet underscores the need for improvements in managing external influences, ensuring gender equity, and addressing logistical and administrative hurdles. Findings from the third objective showed strong consensus on the need for structured training programs, stricter regulatory enforcement, and community-based solutions. The study concludes that while User Committees are crucial in local infrastructure development, their effectiveness is limited by systemic challenges. Recommendations include instituting targeted training programs, strengthening regulatory frameworks, developing strategies to mitigate political interference, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. Implementing these measures could lead to more robust management of infrastructure projects, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of Palungtar Municipality.

Keywords

User Committees, Infrastructure Management, Stakeholder Perceptions, Project Challenges and Community Engagement