KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun has pledged to establish Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) as number one institution among government-owned institutions.

Efforts were on to ensure that NEA continues to become profitable and become more professional, he said addressing an event organized here on the occasion of NEA’s 34th anniversary. NEA’s professionalism, work execution and administrative efficiency have increased with political stability in the country, he said.

He also praised continuous contribution and work of NEA’s employees including its Executive Director Kulman Ghising.

“Collective efforts lead to success. Executive Director has managed NEA professionally. This is a cause of success,” he said. Around 90 percent of the population of the country has electricity access as of now, and the remaining would enjoy power within two years, he said, asking for help from all in this regard.

Stating that the government aims to produce 15,000 megawatts electricity in the next 10 years, he said initiatives were being taken to attract foreign and domestic investments.

On the occasion, minister Pun handed out awards to NEA employees and retired ones for their contribution.