Promises
The Himalayan Times
26
November 2015
Promises
It is definitely a delightful news for the
general people of Nepal to know that the country will be
completely free from the ongoing load-shedding within a year as reported in “Load-shedding
will become history within a year” (THT, 24 Nov, Page 9). It is really
encouraging to know about this earlier from PM Oli during his recent address to
the nation and now from Top B. Rayamajhi, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy
Minister. Such similar assurances were also given by past governments. However,
they never materialized, rather the load-shedding hours continued to increase.
According to NEA, the current installed
capacity of the nation is around 800 MW which drops down to around 300 MW
during dry season. However, the total demands during the peak seasons stands at
around 1400 MW which is far beyond the current power outputs being generated in
the country. Is it possible to generate additional 1100 MW within one year to
meet the local demand? Are there any solid proofs or projects at hands to
address this demand? Otherwise, it does not make any sense to disseminate false
promises. Unless, the people now see the
differences, they do not seem easily convinced with such statements.
However, the current Energy Minister, being
himself involved in ten year long people’s war, should waste no time to fulfil
his promise made to the people. For him, there should not be any excuses for
not being able to make Nepal load-shedding free country within one year.
Time has come for him to show and prove that the people’s war was really fought
for making a new Nepal. Otherwise, he will also be seen and
labelled as an opportunist and corrupt Maoist leaders.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
