SINDHUPALCHOWK, Dec 13:
Middle Bhotekoshi Hydro Project (MBHP), which received generation license on December 3, is starting main construction works from early January.
The 102-MW capacity project is being developed through domestic investment. The project, which is promoted by Chilime Hydropower Company, expedited preparation for construction works after it received go-ahead form the Ministry of Energy.
Kulman Ghising, manager of the MBHP, told Republica that main construction works would commence from early January.
The project has already awarded the contract for civil and hydro mechanical works Guangxi Hydroelectric Construction of China. As per the contract, Guangxi will be responsible to build dam, tunnel, power house and other construction works.
Chilime Hydropower Company targets to start power generation within four years. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 14.5 billion.
The company has also started the process of selecting contractor for electro-mechanical works. According to the company, 10 international companies have been enlisted for electro-mechanical works through pre-qualified bidding.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment has already approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the MBHP.
The dam of the project is being constructed in Chaku of Marming VDC, Sindhupalchowk while the power house will be built in Jambu of Gati VDC.
Sanjay Sapkota, senior civil engineer of the project, said works related to land acquisition and construction of the residence for the staff of the project as well as link road and site office are underway.
“The process to provide compensation to land owners for land acquired by the project is at the final stage. Similarly, preliminary phase works are underway at war footing,” he added.
The company has appointed German firm Lahmayer International as project management consultant. The MBHP has allotted 10 percent shares to people of Sindhupalchowk, 3 percent each to local bodies and three promoter companies, and additional 0.5 percent of shares to people in the affected VDCs.
The company has signed loan agreement worth Rs 6.19 billion, 50 percent of the estimated cost, with Employees Provident Fund. It signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the NEA on November 14, 2011.
Source : Republica
