MCC has successfully partnered with 46 countries around the world and invested over $15 billion in grants that have lifted over 260 million people out of poverty. This means we have extensive and diverse experience working with countries on ambitious and complex agreements, tackling different challenges, finding innovative solutions and achieving success.
Thanks to the commitment of MCA-Nepal, led by its diverse Board representing civil society, private sector and multi-sectoral government agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Forestry and Environment, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Energy and NEA, we are well on our way to writing a new success story here in Nepal.
Over the past year, the implementation of the MCC Nepal Compact has gained real momentum. The signing of contracts for three substations, the provision of technical support to the Electricity Regulatory Authority, the launch of the MCA Partnership Programme to support the project-affected communities, the upcoming signing of the contract for the 18 km transmission line and the remarkable progress in obtaining environmental clearances and land acquisition are tangible evidence of the hard work and tremendous achievements of the MCA team.
Ultimately, the success of the MCC Compact benefits the Nepalese people. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the media for their accurate reporting, which has played a critical role in keeping the public informed and engaged. Your work is critical and we welcome your continued, constructive engagement as we move forward with this Compact. It is part of our core commitment to inform the public and maintain transparency in our work. Therefore, the entire MCC Nepal Compact contract, procurement documents, completed reports and other relevant information are available to you and the public at any time on the MCA Nepal website.
It is important to understand that the MCC Nepal Compact is not an isolated initiative; it is a continuation of the United States’ longstanding support for Nepal’s growth and development. The projects we are implementing will help Nepal meet its domestic energy goals while unlocking the potential for cross-border electricity trade. The transmission line backbone we are building will enable more efficient electricity transport across the grid, contributing to improved access to electricity for all Nepalis and creating the economic opportunity for cross-border and regional trade in clean energy.
In addition to energy, the MCC Nepal Compact also focuses on improving road maintenance and introducing a sustainable, climate-smart road improvement process called Full Depth Reclamation technology in Nepal. These projects will create higher quality and longer lasting roads, making travel cheaper and safer for motorists and pedestrians on a section of the East-West Highway.
We recognise that our goals are ambitious and that infrastructure projects bring their own challenges. However, I am extremely encouraged by the commitment of all stakeholders, especially the Government of Nepal and the dedication and quality of the MCA team. And I am confident that Together we can overcome all challenges, optimise our resources, meet all the priorities of the Compact and continue to make meaningful progress for the people of Nepal.
We are proud to be part of this important chapter in Nepal’s growth and transformation and to support the government in achieving the goals of the MCC Nepal Compact and making progress towards realizing Nepal’s long-term development vision.
The author is Country Director of MCC in Nepal
