Kathmandu, February 22

Minister of Water Supply Bina Magar today said the ministry had been holding talks with the Italian contractor to complete the remaining work of Melamchi Drinking Water Project.

The project is in limbo ever since the Italian contractor Co-operativa Muratori e Cementisti (CMC) di Ravenna decided to abandon it.

Speaking during the question-answer session of the House of the Representatives, Minister Magar said the ministry had been holding talks with CMC to continue the project, and if the contractor did not agree, the ministry would hire a new contractor to complete the remaining work.

“We are committed to bringing Melamchi water to Kathmandu valley as soon as possible,” Magar said. She said the negligence of CMC had created the present situation. “We are facing a very tough time after CMC abandoned the project,” she said. “Since this is a national pride  project, my success as a minister also depends on the success of the project,” she added.

Magar today faced tough questions from opposition lawmakers.

Lawmaker Dila Sangraula asked Minister Magar for how long people of Kathmandu Valley would have to wait for Melamchi water.

Another NC lawmaker Rajendra KC reminded the minister of the previous deadline and asked the minister about the next deadline for completing the project

Similarly, NC lawmaker Gagan Thapa  sought explanation from the minister on the conflict between her and former secretary at the ministry Gajendra Kumar Thakur.  In reply, Minister Magar said she had to transfer Thakur as he did not heed her instructions.

Responding to lawmaker KC’s query, Magar said she would be able to announce next deadline if CMC agreed to continue the work.