Success of Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project booster for energy sector: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the success of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project has boosted confidence for the further development of the energy sector. In his remarks after inaugurating the 456-MW project today, he said the project increases the confidence that we can accomplish many tasks of development with our own might.

The project ends the trend where we had to depend on external support in every sector, he said while adding that it will also be a significant contribution to the development and expansion of local knowledge and technology. "The project will prove to be a milestone in making the country self-reliant in power production," he said, now the compulsion to import power from outside the country will gradually end.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli also lauded the role and support of the residents of Dolakha in the success of the project, including in the construction of road transmission lines, substations, etc. He however expressed concern over the doubling of the cost of the Upper Tamakoshi project, which he said was a huge loss.

Completion of the project five years ago as scheduled would have been a huge step in the development and expansion of the country's economy, he said and urged all concerned to give special attention towards ensuring that projects are not delayed in the future.

The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that only a few percent of the people in the country are not without a regular power supply, and they would be addressed soon.

Lack of transmission lines as required is stopping us from supply power to industries as much as demanded, he said and shared that the demand charge and other tariffs will be gradually decreased. "The government is working to increase power production and provide it at a cheaper price to the consumers," he added.