KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 2
Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has pledged the government's unwavering support for Nepal's transmission line project, backed by the grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
Minister Basnet underscored the critical role of the 315 km-long transmission line from Nanglebhare to Ratmate, Hetauda, Damauli, and New Butwal, as Nepal's transmission network backbone, reaffirming the government's unwavering commitment to its timely completion.
During a courtesy meeting with MCC CEO Alice Albright and her delegation at the Ministry of Energy, coinciding with the commencement of the MCC-Nepal compact agreement, Minister Basnet affirmed that the project would be diligently executed, given its substantial contribution to Nepal's energy sector development.
Minister Basnet highlighted that the process of land acquisition for transmission lines and substations has been initiated, emphasising the project's significance as a matter of national pride,and assured that the government has accorded equal priority to it, with no effort spared for its seamless implementation.
Recalling Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda's commitment to export 10,000 megawatts of electricity to India within a decade during his visit in May, Minister Basnet said, "This transmission line is crucial for us. It needs to be completed on time and the government is committed to it."
Minister Basnet said that the government possesses the knowledge and confidence necessary to bolster Nepal's energy and transportation sectors through this project, designed to enhance road infrastructure for Nepali citizens and provide dependable, clean, and safe access to electricity. He further anticipated significant improvements in the economic, social, and gender-related sectors following the project's successful implementation.
MCC CEO Albright highlighted the project as a means to further strengthen bilateral relations between Nepal and the United States, expressing her delight that the transmission line and road improvement initiatives, carried out through the Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA), have smoothly transitioned into the implementation phase.
She extended her gratitude to the government of Nepal for designating the project as a 'national pride', and expressed confidence in substantial support from the Nepali government to ensure the project's successful execution.
Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, along with Khadga Bahadur Bista, CEO of MCA Nepal, and other dignitaries were in attendance during the meeting.
The MCC compact was initiated on August 30 last year, following the signing of the MCC-Nepal Compact between the government of Nepal and the MCC under the auspices of the United States on September 14, 2017.
After a long debate, the Parliament had granted approval for this agreement only last year, with a binding provision stipulating the completion of the power transmission line and road construction projects under the MCC Nepal Compact within five years from the date of commencement.
A version of this article appears in the print on October 3, 2023, of The Himalayan Times
