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Building Partnership
The US is building a new office complex for its embassy and mission offices in Maharajgunj
By A CORRESPONDENT
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Building Under Construction |
In a grand construction operation, the US government is building a huge complex in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu to house its embassy and mission offices.
In a place known as “Brahma Cottage,” the construction is going on in a big scale and is set to be completed by June 2007. “This project represents the long-term commitment of the American people to the people of Nepal ,” said Michelle Esperdy, the Embassy’s Management Counselor.
Indeed, the building does represent the strong partnership existing between Nepal and the United States . The US Congress has allocated $ 80 million for the cost of the construction. “The new Embassy and ancillary facilities, scheduled to open in June 2007, will house all offices of the US Mission, including USAID and the Consular Section,” states a fact sheet issued by the Embassy.
The construction of new embassies is overseen by the State Department’s Overseas Buildings Operations Office (OBO). Caddel Corporation, an American company based in Alabama , is the primary contractor. It has hired various subcontractors including nine Nepali firms and the Turkish firm Enka.
“The contractors have hired Nepalese nationals wherever possible. The contractors currently have a total of 350 employees, including 120 Turkish and 210 Nepali nations,” adds the fact sheet. “It will add $ 15 million to the local economy.” Caddell has utilized the services of local Nepali consultants for design, soil analysis, concrete testing, earthquake analysis, accounting, legal services and public relations. Various local vendors and suppliers have supplied building materials such as sand, wood, soil, manure, plants, office equipment and small tools.
Earlier, the contractors had faced some troubles after the huge construction efforts there resulted in developing of cracks in the neighboring houses. “But we have negotiated the problems now,” said a representative of the Caddell.
Spread over six acres of land, the buildings are among the most earthquake-resistant in Nepal , with a heavily reinforced concrete design. The compound includes the chancery building (four stories in 10,650 square meters), marine security guard quarters (two stories in 767 square meters) and utility buildings. “We needed a better space, which is secure and earthquake-resistant,” said Esperdy, when asked why the Embassy wanted a new building.
Besides, in the new complex, the Consular Section will also be conveniently accessible to people seeking visas and consular services.
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