Minister Khadka, US ambassador Thompson discuss MCC project
KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka and US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson held a meeting at the Ministry in Singha Durbar, Kathmandu today.
On the occasion, they discussed various aspects of energy co-operation between the two countries and the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project.
During the meeting, Minister Khadka stated that although the projects being carried out under the MCC project are progressing, the MCC has been on hold for some time, creating some uncertainty. He expressed confidence that the MCC project will continue and expected additional assistance from the US in the energy sector.
During the meeting, Ambassador Thompson said the United States will continue to support and co-operate in Nepal's energy sector. He mentioned that all possible initiatives and efforts are being made to advance the MCC project and urged the Government of Nepal to provide the necessary support to continually advance the projects being carried out under the MCC.
According to an agreement signed under the MCC, the US is supposed to invest $500 million while Nepal would spend $197 million for the MCC-funded MCA project.
Under this project, the construction of a 400 kV transmission line and associated substations will take place from Lapsiphedi–Ratmate, Ratmate–Damauli, Damauli–Butwal and Butwal to the Nepal–India border at Gorakhpur.
Representatives of the MCC and the MCA as well as the Ministry's senior officials were present at the meeting.
By RSS
