Uncertainty over West Seti worries locals

DHANGADI, Nov 3 :

Uncertainty looming over construction of West Seti Hydropower Project has worried the locals.

They have complained that the government has not launched any development project in the area after talks over West Seti began some two decades ago.

“Not a single project was launched for past two decades on the pretext of West Seti. Our lands have turned barren due to flood and inundation,” said Ratan Saud, chairman of the West Seti stakeholders´ group. “We are really worried due to uncertainty over the construction of the project.”

Not a single development project related to river embankment, irrigation, drinking water and electricity has been launched in the project hit area for past two decades.

“We have been cheated on the development front, while we are still suffering due to delay in starting the project,” said Raju Bhattarai, a resident of Lamikhal of Doti.

China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the construction of the project two years ago after Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) pulled out of the project after failure to attract investment for the project.

“We were excited when it was said that the company would start construction of the project within two years. However, there is still uncertainty over whether the project would start at all,” chairman Saud said.

“Construction of the project should begin immediately. Otherwise, the government should launch other development projects in our area,” added Saud. The proposed installed capacity of the project is 750 megawatts. Around 3,000 households of Bajhang, Doti, Baitadi and Dadeldhura will be affected by the project.

Source: Republica