M-Marshyangdi under CIAA scanner

Himalayan News Service

KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has begun probe into alleged corruption in the Rs 28-billion Mid-Marsyangdi hydro-electric project, which is located in Lamjung.

The second largest power plant in the nation — funded by Germany — was dedicated to the nation by the then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ last year. It produces 70 MW of electricity.

The anti-graft body initiated the investigation after it received several complaints on misappropriation of funds.

Sources claimed that the CIAA had already interrogated top officials, who were involved in the project.

The CIAA has grilled the then Minister for Water Resources Sarvendra Nath Shukla, the then Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Janak Lal Karmacharya and other members like

Ratneshwor Lal Kayastha, Ratna Sanshar Shrestha, Kishor Babu Aryal, Bhanu Prasad Acharya and Ambika Shrestha.

“The probe will look into the reasons for the failure to meet the deadline, which exceeded by four years and an additional investment of Rs 15 billion,” added sources.

CIAA officials maintained that further probe was required since the statements made by the authorities concerned were at odds. The original project cost was pegged at Rs 13 billion. Around 700 man-days were wasted during the construction work. Subsequently, the NEA had to pay Rs 2 million as compensation.

The CIAA will take a decision whether to move court on the issue soon.