ILAM, SEP 28 –
The tunnel construction of the Upper Mai Hydropower Project 9.98 MW has concluded.
This marks the completion of around 50 percent of the construction work required for the hydropower project being developed by the Mai Valley Hydropower.
The 148 metre long diversion tunnel starts from Ratey Kola, of Maimjhuwa, and ends in Maikhola. The project has stated that it spent around Rs 200 million for the tunnel work. The project is targeted for completion within the next 18 months. “After the finishing the tough job of tunnel construction, now the other works will speed up,” said Santosh Kumar Pradhan, executive director of the Mai Valley Hydropower.
According to the project, the main civil work of the head-works and power house are ongoing. Similarly, an agreement has been signed for the electromechanical work. The total investment of the project stands at Rs 1.60 billion. The project has also reached a power purchase agreement with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
Pradhan said the electricity generated from the project would be connected with the Godak station in the Kabeli Corridor, which is 18.5 km from the project site.
“We have also completed signing an agreement for the construction of the 132 Kv transmission line to Godak,” he added.
The project has contributed over Rs 5 million for the construction of road infrastructure development in project affected villages Mabu and Maimjhuwa. Utilising the water of the Upper Mai project, a casket project is also operating in neighbouring village Sulubung.
In Ilam, the Puwakhola Hydropower of the NEA, with 6.2 MW capacity, and the 4.5MW Sanimai Khola Hydropower Project, of the Nepal Dolakha Hydropower Company have been generating the electricity.
Sanima Hydropower has been working on two projects in southern Danawari and Chisapani, with a capacity of 22 MW and 7 MW respectively, with a target to complete these within a year. Similarly, there are other two projects under construction at Godak and Puwamjhuwa.
Source : The Kathmandu Post
