Lamjung, June 28

Construction of the 49.7MW Super Dordi Hydro Project has started along Dhodeni and Phaleni VDCs of Lamjung yesterday.

The construction work started with the formal inauguration of audit tunnel at a function today. The project was jointly inaugurated by Chief District Officer Mohan Bahadur GC and locals Biber Ghale and Bulal Ghale. The project is estimated to be completed within three years.

Managing Director of Promoting People’s Hydro-power Keshav Bahadur Raymajhi said that at least 7km tunnel, including audit and main, will be constructed.

Project Director Arjun Gautam said that they would mix water from Dordi and Promukhola for the hydel. He said, “We will distribute the power generated from the project through transmission line within 1,016 days.”

PPA of the project, promoted by the Nepali investors, (Tunnel of Super) and Nepal Electricity Authority was signed in February last year. “The NEA signed the PPA for Rs 8.40 and Rs 4.80 per unit during dry and monsoon season respectively,” said Managing Director Raymajhi.

The project will hold 60 per cent of promoters’ share, 10 per cent from locals of project-affected areas and remaining 30 percent from the general public. As many as 2,000 promoters have invested in the project. Of them, more than 700 are locals, said Super Dordi Investment Company Chairperson Ijan Baral.

Nabil bank is ready to invest Rs 5 billion 800 million whereas Rs 22 billion 490 million will be invested from equity. This project is said to be one of the most lucrative projects in terms of investment.

Earlier, the feasibility study of the project showed that Rs 8 billion 290 million budget is required for completion of the project. Of the total investment, promoters’ share comprises 30 per cent and the remaining budget will be managed from bank loan.

Lamjung folks alone have invested more than Rs 250 million for the project.