Workers halt work at Arun III hydropower project over delayed pay for six months

Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha), April 1: Workers at the under- construction Arun III Hydropower Project powerhouse have launched a strike over delayed payments for several months.

It is said 1,500 workers for the 900-MW Project have reportedly not been paid for the past six months. The workers and petty contractors at Pukhuwa of Chichila rural municipality-2 where the powerhouse is based, have been on strike since this morning.

As a result, the entire works on the Project have got affected.

Workers have complained that the construction company ignored their repeated concerns regarding timely payment. Chief District Officer Sirjana Thapaliya also confirmed the launch of the strike by workers.

Earlier, the workers had approached the District Administration Office with an application, requesting its facilitation in ensuring timely pay. The project is being developed by the Indian Satluj Company.

Over 3,000 workers from Nepal and India have been employed at the dam site in Phyksida, Makalu Rural Municipality, and at the powerhouse construction site in Pukhuwa. The project, which has a five-year deadline, is estimated to cost Rs 120 billion.

Under the agreement, the project will provide 30 units of electricity free of cost to each affected families.

Nepal is expected to receive Rs 340 billion in royalties over 25 years, along with free electricity and discounts on income tax, VAT, and customs duties, it is said. —