Bheri-Babai Diversion Project Faces Significant Delays and Uncertainty
Summary
The Bheri-Babai Multipurpose Diversion Project, intended to provide irrigation and generate electricity, faces significant delays and uncertainty with only 69% physical progress and financial challenges. The project struggles with contractor capacity and extended deadlines.
Key Points
- The Bheri-Babai Multipurpose Diversion Project has reached only 69% physical progress and 58% financial progress, significantly delayed beyond its original schedule.
- The project aims to divert water from the Bheri River to the Babai River, providing year-round irrigation for 51,000 hectares and generating 48 megawatts of electricity.
- Delays are attributed mainly to the construction company's weak capacity and issues in contractor selection, including lack of experienced contractors and unresponsive Chinese partners.
- The project office warns of possibly labeling the project as 'problematic' and may consider alternatives if progress does not improve by mid-July 2024.
