Kathmandu. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has sought a work schedule from the contractor company and said that the work of Sunkoshi-Marine Diversion Multipurpose Project would be expedited.

Responding to the queries raised by the lawmakers in the meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee, Minister Khadka said that the tunnel construction work of the project has already been completed.

Minister Khadka said, “The project has been delayed due to some damage caused by the floods last September, lack of funds and lack of insurance damaged by the floods.

He said that taking information about the sunkoshi-marine project by forming a sub-committee from the infrastructure committee would be beneficial for the early completion of the project.

Energy Minister Khadka urged the committee to show promptness to pass the Electricity Bill, 2080 and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill, which are under discussion in the Infrastructure Committee. “It is not necessary to move one bill forward and stop the other bill, it is to conclude both the bills,” he said.

He said that a committee has been formed to collect electricity dues related to dedicated and trunk lines pending for a long time. Minister Khadka said that the electricity bill used should be paid at any cost.

Energy Minister Khadka said that the provision of take and pay in the budget has been revised and urged not to be confused in this regard. Responding to questions raised by lawmakers on the issue of water resources bill, he said it was natural for the prime minister and ministers to be concerned about the bill.

He said the bill would be tabled in the National Assembly soon as the bill had reached the National Assembly. Minister Khadka said that it was a great achievement of the infrastructure committee, the ministry and the government to pass the water resources bill to the House of Representatives.