Kathmandu, January 5

SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company, the developer of 900-megawatt Arun-3 Hydropower Project in Sankhuwasabha district, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Department of Roads (DoR) for construction of an access road to the project site.

As per the agreement signed today, the DoR should begin construction of the 28.69 km road stretching from Chhyangkuti of Sankhuwasabha to Dhading within the next three months and complete it within 18 months.

The MoU was signed by Gopal Prasad Sigdel, head of North-South Corridor Project, and Roshan Lal Negi, CEO of SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company, on behalf of their respective organisations, as per a statement.

Affirming his focus on completing the project without any delay, Negi also urged the Nepal government to provide support in resolving any contentious issues while procuring land for the project, among other matters.

Meanwhile, Parliamentarians of Sankhuwasabha-1 and -2, Tara Man Gurung and Dipak Khadka, expressed commitment to do the needful to create a conducive environment for development of the project. The MoU was signed as per ‘model community benefits’ package under Project Development Agreement prepared by the Investment Board Nepal.

Prior to this, the land owned by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has already been handed over to the company for construction of proposed power house and dam site amidst a programme on January 1. The company has already provided the necessary remuneration for the land to NEA, the statement adds.