Sunkoshi-Marin diversion project cancels new tender process

The new tender process invited for construction of the dam, powerhouse and related structures of the Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project has been cancelled. The project issued a public notice cancelling the tender for civil, hydromechanical and related structure construction.

When the new tender process had reached its final stage, the Prime Minister's Office had mobilised police to summon project director Krishna Prasad Rijal and Dinesh Rajauriya, Director General of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, to Kathmandu. Setopati reported that the tender was cancelled the day after the two were summoned.

According to Clickmandu, the officials were summoned on the instruction of the Prime Minister's Office after they had refused to cancel the tender. Bizmandu reported that Prime Minister Balendra Shah's secretariat had the tender cancelled by having Director General Rajauriya taken into police custody.

Setopati reported that the Prime Minister's Office took this step out of concern over the project's work.