Load shedding-free district of Syangja has yet to make optimum utilisation of electricity supplied by local Kaligandaki A Hydropower Project due to the lack of industries and businesses, experts have said.

Despite 24-hour supply, electricity usage is limited to household purposes, and industrial development has been very slow compared to other districts that are facing power outages.

Stating that businesses can cut production costs significantly due to uninterrupted power supply, Nawaraj Subedi, president of Syangja Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said: “We are making efforts to attract industries in Syangja. We have initiated discussions on how to optimally utilise electricity.”

“Plans are laid out to establish dairies, water- and agro-based industries and poultry farms,” said Dili Pratap Khadka, a civil society leader.

He said despite the 24-hour power supply and fertile soil, the locals are more interested in purchasing land plots, houses and jewelleries, rather than investing in development projects. “I/NGOs, government and private sector should unite to promote and develop Syangja,” he said. 

“There is a growing need for manufacturing-based industries. The private sector should shift their focus in line with the facilities available in the district.”

For the last three years, the district has not seen major power outages.

n Despite 24-hour supply, electricity usage is limited to household purposes, and industrial development has remained slow compared to other districts that are facing power outages. post file photo