The World Bank has defended the selection procedure of contract award saying that the award of contract managed by Nepal Electricity Authority under this project conforms with the procurement policies and practices adopted by the 189 member governments of the World Bank Group, as well as the financing agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Bank.

“The World Bank’s attention has been drawn to recent commentary in the media regarding the Grid Solar and Energy Efficiency Project, financed by the Bank,” said a press release issued by the bank today from Kathmandu.

“We are yet to receive official communication from the concerned authorities on recent developments reported in the media. Therefore, it would be premature to speculate upon the World Bank’s future role in that project,” said Takuya Kamata, World Bank Country Manager for Nepal.

 “However, we can confirm that following extensive review, the award of contract managed by Nepal Electricity Authority under this project conforms with the procurement policies and practices adopted by the 189 member governments of the World Bank Group, as well as the financing agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Bank”, he added.