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The long-delayed process of recovering outstanding electricity pole rental fees by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has now been implemented. As part of this initiative, internet service provider WorldLink Communications has begun the process of paying its outstanding pole rental dues.

Through the NEA’s Distribution and Consumer Services Directorate, Bagmati Province Divisional Office, WorldLink has initiated the payment process for the pole rental amount determined based on its self-declaration for the fiscal year 2025/26, after applicable tax deductions.

The company stated that for the fiscal year 2024/25, it reconciled its accounts based on the joint verification of utility poles and DB boxes. It also adjusted previous duplicate payments before settling the remaining outstanding amount.

Meanwhile, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said that all service providers using state-owned infrastructure have a legal obligation to pay the required fees on time.

Describing WorldLink’s payment as a positive start, the minister expressed confidence that other service providers would also clear their outstanding dues in accordance with their legal obligations.

Minister Shrestha reiterated that the government is committed to the rule of law and the fair enforcement of legal provisions, adding that any practical issues arising during implementation would be resolved within the framework of the law.

He also urged stakeholders not to unnecessarily politicize the enforcement of the law or create public confusion, emphasizing that the government’s policy is to apply the law equally to everyone.

Jalasarokar