Kathmandu, June 25: The Rural Energy Development Programme has been introduced in Bajura district with a view to developing a sustainable rural energy system, preserving the environment and improving the living standard of local people through community participation.
The programme is to be launched in some four out of the 27 VDCs of Bajura district which ranks in 74th position in the human resource development index.
An accord to this effect has been reached between UNDP, the Rural Energy Development Programme and Bajura DDC.
A Rural Energy Management Committee and a District Energy Committee have been formed under the chairmanship of Bajura DDC president Lal Bahadur Thapa to co-ordinate concerned district level bodies for the implementation of the programme.
A report on energy in the district is in the final stages of preparation and a preliminary survey has been completed at 12 others VDCs on the basis of that report, energy advisor Ram Prasad Dhital said.
The target is to complete a micro-hydel project with a capacity of 15 kw in one VDC by the end this year. The programme will be progressively extended to three other VDCs.
Meanwhile in Syangja, the Lalupate-Waling Bazar Drinking Water Project which covers Ward Nos. 2 and 3 of Waling Municipality has been commissioned at the total cost of 6.5 million rupees.
The project benefits a local population of 6,864, according to the district water supply office.
It is learnt that under the project, 250 taps have been installed at private homes and an additional 34 taps have been constructed at public places.
Also in Syangja, a fair-weather road has been constructed from Naudanda, Putali Bazaar Municipality in Syangja district to Karkineta of Parbat district.
The road was constructed with the assistance of His Majesty’s Government and international aid agencies. The road is expected to facilitate transportation of goods and local farm produce between the areas.
It is said that vehicles can ply the road throughout the year after construction of a concrete bridge or a bailey bridge over the seti Khola river at Setidovan VDC.