KATHMANDU, Sept 26: The US Government's Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has announced the launch of feasibility studies of various power sector projects proposed by the Office of the Millennium Challenge Nepal (OMCN). 

OMCN is a Government of Nepal office which coordinates development of the MCC program, a statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu said. The endorsement of the feasibility studies of various power sector projects has paved the way to move ahead towards developing projects, the statement added.

 “The launch of the power project feasibility studies is a key milestone reached by the Government of Nepal and MCC, enabling them to move toward developing a five-year compact," the statement quoted Himesh Dhungel, MCC Country Director for Nepal, as saying. “With full support of the Government of Nepal and other interested parties, program development should be completed in time for presentation to the MCC Board of Directors for approval in 2017.”

Dhungel further added that MCC and the Government of Nepal worked together to prioritize critical
infrastructure needs in the power and road transport sectors in Nepal which were identified as key constraints to economic growth in a joint analysis.

MCC and the Government of Nepal signed a $10 million compact development funding grant agreement in July 2016 in order to facilitate program design and preparation, including project feasibility studies. 

Sitaula appointed National Coordinator 

KATHMANDU (REPUBLICA): The cabinet meeting held on Thursday appointed former government secretary Tulasi Prasad Sitaula to the post of National Coordinator of Nepal for Millennium Challenge Corporation. 

Prior to the appointment, Sitaula had been working as a short-term consultant at Office of the Millennium Challenge Nepal (OMCN). He assumed office on Sunday.

The position was lying vacant since June after the erstwhile government decided against extending the term of previous National Coordinator Krishna Gyawali. 

 
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