Sindhupalchowk, August 9

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today directed the authorities concerned to complete the Melamchi Drinking Water Project soon, as it has remained a dream of the people of Kathmandu for a long time.

PM Deuba, who reached to the project site at Melamchi for field visit took account of the project works and directed the contractor to accelerate work.

“The project has been the dream of the people of Kathmandu for more than two decades,” said the PM ,adding that the project should be completed as soon as possible for that dream to materialise. He said that government was ready to offer any kind of help, as early completion of the project was a priority of the government.

“I am ready to take whatever decision is needed to complete the works on time from the government’s side,” the PM said, “But don’t delay the work on any pretext, as the project is attached with the dreams of the people of Kathmandu.”

The PM also expressed concern about the delay in digging the tunnel of the project and warned of action if the project was not completed on time. He said the project was a national pride project and it should be completed on time to address the water woes of the Valley in the dry season.

The PM informed that the government was planning to amend the Act to accelerate development works of pride projects, including Melamchi Drinking Water Project.

The PM had inspected the intake, dam and tunnel of the project. He walked inside the tunnel for some time to inspect the work.

Project Manager Ram Chandra Devkota briefed the PM about development works and the obstacles the company has been encountering to complete the project on time.

Of the 27.6 km tunnel, the company is yet to dig 2.19 km. The project started in 2001.