NEW AMERICAN EMBASSY DEDICATED

July 11, 2007                                                        

KATHMANDU–  U.S. Ambassador James F. Moriarty formally dedicated the new U.S. Embassy here today in a ceremony that featured Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala as chief guest.  The Prime Minister, who addressed an audience of 150 parliamentarians, government officials, diplomats, and other guests, joined the Ambassador in lighting a ceremonial candle or Diyo, and cutting an inaugural ribbon.
 
The ceremony signaled the consolidation under one roof of all U.S. Mission elements, including USAID, the American Center, and the Consular Section.  The new Embassy is scheduled to open for business at the end of August under the leadership of the incoming U.S. Ambassador, Nancy J. Powell.  Ambassador Moriarty, completing a three-year tour, departs Nepal on Friday.

The new Embassy compound was designed by Sorg and Associates of Washington, D.C. and constructed by U.S.-based Caddell Corporation.  Nine Nepali prime subcontractors and the Turkish firm ENKA  provided technical and specialized skills, including soil and earthquake analysis, concrete testing, and other technical services.  The new Embassy project added $15 million USD to the local economy and employed Nepali vendors to ship overseas supplies and provide local building materials such as sand, wood, and office equipment.  With a total of 500 employees, including 300 Nepali and 150 Turkish nationals, the new Embassy cost more than $80 million USD.  Employees of the Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Building Operations were responsible for the day-to-day management and technical oversight of the project.

The new Embassy complex occupies six acres of land.  With a heavily reinforced concrete design, its buildings are among the most earthquake-resistant in Nepal.  The entire compound is environmentally friendly.  Complying with the U.S. government requirement of the nationally-accepted standard of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the building incorporates a series of elements for sustainable energy use, such as an on-site waste water treatment plant and energy efficient light fixtures.

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