Kathmandu, December 24
Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Bina Magar says the government is serious about resolving issues related to the Melamchi Drinking Water project.
“The government is serious about solving this problem. We have to be careful because we don’t want others to take advantage of this issue,” she said.
She added that the ministry was talking to experts on how the problem can be managed. Speaking at an event hosted by WAS Media Forum on Monday, Magar said that all parties involved needed to create a respectful environment for the completion of the project.
Magar’s comments come as CMC, the Italian contractor working on the project’s main tunnel, said it would resume construction if its staffers are allowed to go home for Christmas and the government injects more cash into the project. The Italian embassy in Kathmandu has said it will guarantee the staffers’ return. However, the government is not convinced that the Italian contractor will abide by its words.
