Twenty years, 51 percent: The long journey of the Sikta irrigation project
Summary
The Sikta Irrigation Project in Banke has reached 51 percent physical progress after nearly two decades of construction, with officials now saying it could be completed within five years. The project’s cost has risen to Rs 52.89 billion as repeated delays, revisions and expansion push its deadline to FY 2032/33.
Key Points
- The Sikta Irrigation Project has reached 51 percent physical progress after nearly 20 years of construction.
- Officials say the project could be completed within the next five years if budget and manpower remain sufficient.
- The revised master plan extends the deadline to FY 2032/33 and raises the estimated cost to Rs 52.89 billion.
- Once completed, the project is expected to irrigate 42,766 hectares of farmland in Banke district.