By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Nov. 12: The Investment Board Nepal (IBN) has approved investment of Rs. 38.68 billion for three projects.
A meeting chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday evening approved the investment for three projects which would be constructed under the public-private partnership.
The IBN has approved Rs. 17.62 billion for 77.5 MW Dhansakhola Hydropower Project, Rs. 10.61 billion for 57 MW Himachuli Dordi Hydropower Project and Rs. 10.43 billion for 65 MW Dudhkhola Hydropower Project.
During the meeting, they discussed to prepare a strategic plan of the board in consultation with the project bank and various stakeholders for capacity building and institutional development of the board office.
According to a press statement of IBN, discussions have been held to provide easy and fast service to the investors by automating the single-point service centre.
It has also been decided to set up a knowledge management portal.
Prime Minister Oli took note of the delay in the implementation of the project and directed to work effectively using the technology.
He stressed the need for making strategic plans to increase the consumption of energy and the development of hydropower sector in consultation with the concerned authorities.
Recently, there are complaints from the private sector that the work of the projects through the board could not be effective.
Considering this complaint, Prime Minister Oli underlined the need to increase efficiency.
Stating that regular meeting of the board could not be held for a long time due to COVID-19, he said that the meeting of the board would be regular in the days to come.
Chief Executive Officer of the Board Sushil Bhatta informed about the ongoing projects through the board.
Finance Minister and Vice-Chairman of IBN Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekhraj Bhatta, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barshaman Pun, Minister for Forest and Environment Shakti Basnet, Vice-Chairman of National Planning Commission Prof. Dr. Pushpa Raj Kandel, Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari and representatives of private sector including Bhawani Rana, Hari Bhakta Sharma, Rajesh Kazi Shrestha and Balkrishna Siwakoti were present in the meeting.