Writing a new success story in Nepal

MCC has successfully partnered with 46 countries worldwide, investing more than $15bn in grants that have helped lift over 260m people out of poverty.  This means that we have a rich and varied experience partnering with countries on ambitious and complex compacts, working through diverse challenges, finding innovative solutions and achieving success.  

Thanks to the dedication of MCA-Nepal, led by its diverse board representing civil society, the private sector and multi-sectoral government agencies including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, Ministry of Energy, and NEA, we are on track to write a new success story here in Nepal. 

Over the past year, there has been real momentum in the implementation of the MCC Nepal Compact. The signing of the contracts for three substations, the provision of technical support to the Electricity Regulatory Authority, the initiation of the MCA Partnership Program to support project-affected communities, the imminent signing of the 18 km transmission line contract, and the notable progress on obtaining environmental permits and land acquisition provide tangible evidence of the hard work and tremendous achievements of the MCA team. 

At the end of the day, the success of the MCC Compact is ultimately for the benefit of the Nepali people. I want to take this opportunity to thank the media for your accurate reporting that has played a crucial role in keeping the public informed and engaged.  Your work is vital, and we welcome your continued, constructive engagement as we move forward on this Compact. It is part of our core commitment to keeping the public informed and maintaining transparency in our work. As such, the entire MCC Nepal Compact agreement, procurement documents, completed reports and other pertinent information are always available to you and the public on the MCA Nepal website.

It is important to understand that the MCC Nepal Compact is not an isolated initiative; it is an extension of the United States' longstanding legacy of support for Nepal’s growth and development.  The projects we are undertaking will help Nepal meet its domestic power goals while unlocking the potential for cross-border power trade. This transmission line backbone we are building will enable more efficient electricity movement across the grid, contributing to increased access to electricity for all Nepalis and the economic opportunity for cross-border and regional trade of clean energy.

In addition to energy, the MCC Nepal Compact also focuses on improving road maintenance practices and introducing a sustainable climate-smart road improvement process known as Full Depth Reclamation technology to Nepal. These projects will provide higher quality longer lasting roads that make travel less expensive and safer for drivers and pedestrians alike along a segment of the East-West Highway.

We understand that our goals are ambitious and that infrastructure projects come with their own set of challenges. However, I am extremely encouraged by the commitment of all stakeholders, particularly the Government of Nepal and the dedication and quality of the MCA team. And I am confident that, together, we can overcome all challenges, optimize our resources, deliver on all Compact priorities 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 toward Nepal’s long-term development vision. 

The author is resident country director for MCC in Nepal