NEPALGUNJ, Dec 12: A two-member team of experts from Australia has arrived and inspected the under-construction Sikta Irrigation Project in Banke on Tuesday. The team conducted inspection in order to resolve the problem of dispersive soil in the western main canal and other parts.
Australians are well-known for their specialty in resolving such problems. Back in their country, dispersive soil causes lots of problems but they have able manpower and technical expertise to tackle the problem. Dispersive soil has posed a serious problem in the canal's under construction second section between 17.7 km and 35 km covered by 'ICB-2' contract.
Soils under Threat
According to the Sikta project office, dispersive soil has been used excessively in a five-kilometer section from Balapur to Jhijhari Khola of Dhakeri. Project director Krishna Nepal informed that the experts inspected the main canal in the western located in Agaiya, Balapur and Obhari village areas and are expected to offer their suggestions to tackle the problem.
Investigations have concluded that substandard materials were used and massive irregularities were committed in the multi-billion project. The anti-graft body Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has already registered corruption cases against 21 individuals suspected of indulging in financial irregularities amounting to Rs 8.5 billion.
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