KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is all set to probe anomalies in the much-hyped Melamchi Water Project and the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project.
Citing that the development of these two national pride projects has been delayed deliberately resulting to mounting development cost, the anti-graft body will soon start probe into these projects, informed a high-level CIAA source.
“Development of these projects is being delayed constantly citing earthquake, blockade and pandemic, among other issues. These projects are only consuming government’s resources while are not showing tangible progress. Thus, the CIAA will probe into possible financial anomalies in these projects,” informed a newly appointed high-level CIAA source.
Though Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project was initially expected to be developed at Rs 35 billion, the project cost today has reached almost Rs 100 billion while around Rs 70 billion has already been spent. However, the 456-megawatt hydel project is yet to start power generation.
Similarly, the development of Melamchi Water Project started in 2051 BS and has already consumed billions rupee. Though development cost of this project was expected to be Rs 17 billion initially, the project has already consumed Rs 27 billion so far while the project is seeking additional almost three billions for development. However, operation of this project is still uncertain.
Even donor agencies financing these projects are expressing their concerns over failure of the government to execute these projects on time.
“Ministers themselves are seen promoting anomalies in these projects and deliberately delaying project works,” informed the CIAA source.
While Upper Tamakoshi Project is under Ministry of Energy led by Barsha Man Pun, the Melamchi Project is under Ministry of Drinking Water led by Bina Magar.
Along with this, the CIAA is also probing the Lalita Niwas land scam and the cantonment scam, as per the source.
Earlier, the CIAA leadership had agreed not to take forward the investigation into alleged corruption in former Maoist cantonment scam.