Energy Minister Bhusal and ADB delegation discuss embankment projects

October 8, Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal on Friday met a delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

During the meeting held at the Ministry of Energy, Minister Bhusal and the ADB delegation discussed various projects being constructed with ADB’s grant and loan assistance.

The delegation, led by ADB Country Director Arnaud Cauchois, expressed interest in the construction of various embankment projects, the Rajpur Irrigation Project, and the Water Resources Act.

Expressing concern about the cost of the projects, ADB country director Cauchois, said that good progress had been achieved in the completion of the projects, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

In response, Minister Bhusal said, “We are capable of preparing the Water Resources Act ourselves.”

Stating that the draft Water Resources Act was being prepared and the Hydropower Act was in the parliament, Minister Bhusal clarified that Nepal would ask the ADB for support only after studying the financial and technical assistance needed for the development of the energy and irrigation sector.

Energy Secretary Devendra Karki, Water Resources and Irrigation Secretary Sagar Kumar Rai and other senior officials of the ministry were present during the meeting.