What impacts have your visit made?

After discussions with the project officials, consultants and contractors, we have been able to understand the problems faced by the project. We have issued a 12-point direction necessary to take steps to complete the project.

Do you think the project will be completed in time?

I am hopeful that the project will be completed in the revised time period. The Ministry is ready to provide the necessary support to the project. NEA has to bear a huge loss in case the project does not meet the new timetable.

What has your mission done to address the problems related to financial and technical issues?

We have acknowledged the problems and decided to direct all the concerned agencies to work on a war footing to settle the problems, including those involving the funds. We have also decided to request Korean-Exim Bank to make the necessary arrangements to release the funds. I am hopeful that Korean Exim Bank will support us by releasing thefund for Korean contractors and Korean Consultants. 

How hopeful are you about the project?

As over 90 percent of civil and other work has already been completed and the solution has already been found to address the tunnel squeezing and pen-stock, I think the project will be completed in its revised schedule. This is in the interest of all. The Ministry and NEA will take the necessary contingency measures to complete the project. We need to be optimistic and all the employees and people involved in the project need to work hard to meet the deadline.

Even the Korean consultants are not paid for 18 months due to the denial of Korean-Exim Bank to release the funds