Construction work at the site of 102MW mid-Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project has finally gathered pace after witnessing a slowdown following disasters like 2015 earthquake, floods and soil-erosion.

Construction of all major infrastructure, including the dam, is moving ahead at a desired pace at the project site. However, works at the site where powerhouse is being built have not begun yet. But the project developer has already identified specific location to build the powerhouse and works are expected to start soon.

According to Civil Engineer Sanjay Sapkota, 600 metres of the 7.1-km tunnel has also been dug. The construction of the entire tunnel is expected to be completed by 2018, although previous deadline for completion of this work was 2016. Construction of six other tunnels at Chaku, Borderland and Jambu too has been expedited. Process of developing infrastructure, like worksite camps and a building for laboratory, is also moving ahead.

“Construction work at the dam site was stalled for three years due to land-related issues,” Sapkota said. “But following an agreement with the locals on compensation, construction has begun at the dam site.” The project has completed the task of extending compensation to people residing in the project-affected area. 

The project would have been completed earlier had it not been for natural disasters, said Sunil Kumar Lama, head of the project being built by Chinese contractor Guanxi Hydro Electric Construction Bureau.

Earlier, the project developer was also found guilty of extracting natural resources, like sand and boulders, illegally. Following this, the District Development Committee (DDC) had halted the construction of the project for several months. The issue was recently settled after the project paid a fine of Rs1.3 million.

The Chinese company has deployed around 500 Nepali and Chinese workers at the construction site.

The project is being developed by Madhya Bhotekoshi Jalvidyut Company Limited (MBJCL), a subsidiary of Chilime Hydropower Company Limited.