Work to begin at West Seti Hydel Project

Initial work on the West Seti hydroelectric project, Nepal’s single biggest infrastructure project, is expected to begin after the monsoon season, according to a release issued by the project Friday.

When completed, West Seti, in the Far Western Development Region, is expected to produce more electricity than Nepal currently consumes each year.

The start-up target for early work was agreed on 6 August after talks in Kathmandu between SMEC Developments Pvt Ltd, the project sponsor, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the release said.

Construction of the US$1.6 billion project had been due to start late last year, but continued political uncertainty in the country culminated in the delay to the start of the project.

“The works are being undertaken initially through an early funding package which the ADB, in conjunction with other project parties, is planning to provide prior to the commencement of major construction activities which is expected to be funded by the shareholders and a consortium of banks led by the ADB,” the release states. nepalnews.com Aug 08 08