New homes
Phase II of the Valley Homes Terraces housing project has just been completed. The second phase, an extension on the original location at Sunakothi, has 30 new houses in four different models. Phase two offers larger, more luxurious houses, a new clubhouse with a swimming pool and gym, and another children's park. Other services on the premises include a banquet hall, ATMs, a clinic, a daycare centre, and a take-out restaurant

Sharing in
Himal International Energy (HIEPL) has acquired a further 10 percent shares in the Bhote Koshi Power Company (BKPC) from the International Finance Corporation, bringing its total stake in the project to 85 percent. HIEPL and its sister concern Himal International Power Corporation, together own 95 percent of the shares in BKPC. The Bhote Kosi hydropower project is a 36MW hydropower operation in Sindhupalchok that was commissioned in Janaury 2001 with a total investment of $98 million.

Official ride
The Kinetic Nova-135 is the official Miss Nepal scooter, following a deal between Kinetic marketers, Shrestha International Traders and Miss Nepal organisers, The Hidden Treasure Nepal. Kinetic Nova already has more than 100,000 satisfied customers. The Nova's many features include electric start, no gears, a 135cc engine, and a mobile phone charging port.

Another ATM
The Everest Bank has just opened a new ATM at Apex College in Baneswor. This ATM will accept cards from all 18 banks in the SCT network, and Visa and MasterCard for a nominal charge of Rs 25. The charge is waived for Everest Bank account holders.

Visiting ill kids
Kumiko Hashimoto, wife of the late former prime minister of Japan and friend of Nepal, Ryutaro Hashimoto, is visiting the Kanti Children's Hospital this week to view conditions and visit ill children. The Hashimoto Trust Fund for the hospital was established in 1993 and provides medical care free of cost to patients whose families could otherwise not afford treatment. The Trust also presents the Hashimoto Medical Award to medical personnel for dedication and excellence in discharging duties. Hashimoto will be accompanied by her oldest son Ryo, and singer Judy Ongg.

NEW PRODUCT:
The Panchakanya group is introducing two new sports motorcycles from the Chinese company R2. The bikes are 125cc and 200cc. Special features include electric and kick start options, front and rear disc brakes, CDI ignition, and a remote controlled alarm. The maximum speed for the 125cc R2 is 90kmph, and 120kmph for the 200cc. The 125cc bike is being offered at an introductory price of Rs 140,000.