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Fact Sheet: New U.S. Embassy


The U.S. Mission in Kathmandu is building a new Embassy in Maharajgunj (also known as “Brahma Cottage”).  Building the new Embassy and its surrounding compound will require more than $80 million.  The new Embassy and ancillary facilities, scheduled to open in June 2007, will house all offices of the U.S. Mission, including USAID and the Consular Section.
 
“This project represents the long-term commitment of the American people to the people of Nepal,” said Michelle Esperdy, the Embassy’s Management Counselor.  She noted the construction is directly benefiting the local economy.  This is detailed below. 
 
Construction of new U.S. embassies is overseen by the State Department’s Overseas Buildings Operations Office (OBO).  Caddell Corporation, an American company, is the primary contractor of the new Embassy in Kathmandu. Caddell has hired various subcontractors, including nine Nepali firms and the Turkish firm Enka.  Enka Corporation is experienced in building embassies.  The Turkish employees all have specific technical skills and experience in using specialized equipment.  The contractors have hired Nepali nationals whenever possible.  The contractors currently have a total of 350 employees, including 120 Turkish and 210 Nepali nationals.  This will increase as project moves forward.
 
Project description:   

  • The total Brahma Cottage land area is six acres.
  • The buildings are among the most earthquake-resistant in Nepal, with a heavily reinforced concrete design.
  • The entire compound will be environmentally friendly.
  • The compound includes:
    o The chancery building               four stories      10,650 square meters
    o Marine Security Guard quarters   two stories      767 square meters
    o Utility buildings
     
    Project economics:
    • The entire new embassy compound will cost more than $80 million.
    • The project will directly employ more than 300 Nepalis and add $15 million to the local economy.
    • The nine Nepali subcontractors are: Chitawon Construction & Eng. Co. Nepal (P) Ltd.; Jay Bangala D Company (Pvt) Ltd.; Sundari Nirman Sewa; National Drilling Company (P) Ltd.; Microtech M&E; Silt Consultants (P) Ltd.; Nepal Engineering Consultants International; Royal Kathmandu Foundation (P) Ltd.; and Trans Himalayan Express Pvt. Ltd.
    • 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 Nepali vendors and suppliers have supplied building materials such as sand, wood, soil, manure, plants, office equipment, and small tools.
    • Caddell has hired local transportation and shipping companies for material deliveries from overseas.
    • Caddell has rented a large hotel to house the 120 Turkish workers.  It also has rented numerous houses, apartments, and hotel rooms in Kathmandu for residential and office use.