The fully computerized scanner was installed in the ICD in January 2004. This x-ray machine presently costs around Rs 300 million. [break]
If used, it can inspect each and every goods present in the closed container and provide each details of the items within 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the volume and types of goods. The government had installed the system in a bid to pace up the inspections of goods being brought in the country and ease trade.
“But unfortunately the machine has never been used,” said Achyut Prasad Shivakoti, chief of ICD Customs Office. He told Republica the office has no trained staff to operate the machine.
Apart from the lack of skilled manpower, the office is not making any effort to make use of the machine because it requires electricity connection of 380 KVA (kilovolt-ampere) and consumes heavy power.
In the initial years, the customs office had sent 6 staff at different intervals to China to attend a month long training for operating the machine. The Chinese technicians too visited the ICD for providing necessary services.
But the office failed to retain the trained staff. To ensure that the machine remains in operable condition, the officials turn it on now and again. But they turn it off immediately because the machine emits radiation.
The Chinese government had provided two such machines to Nepal. The other machine is installed at the Tribhuvan International Airport customs and it is being used more frequently.
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