Delay in construction of 18-meter bridge despite five-year agreement

KATHMANDU: The construction of an 18-meter-long bridge over the Dangkhola River, which forms the boundary between Malika Rural Municipality-5 and Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-7, has yet to begin despite an agreement being signed five years ago.

According to Ashok Khatri, the ward chairperson of Dhaulagiri-7, the construction was initially scheduled to commence by the 8th of Jestha 2078, but work has not started.

In 2075 B.S., the Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality constructed a temporary bridge over Dangkhola, which has since deteriorated.

The absence of a new bridge has created significant difficulties for residents of Gurja, Lulang, Muna, Mudi, and Takam in terms of travel and transportation.

The project site is located in the proposed dam area of the Myagdikhola Hydroelectric Project.

After the agreement was signed, the contractor assigned to the project faced challenges in beginning work due to being unable to access the site.

Additionally, damages caused by floods in 2077 B.S. led to the need to increase the distance of the bridge, further complicating the construction.

Furthermore, the lack of coordination with relevant authorities regarding the increased costs due to changed circumstances caused delays, and the contractor eventually sought judicial resolution.

As a result, the construction has been severely delayed.

The Infrastructure Development Office confirmed that the contractor’s advance payment of Rs 3.3 million, provided as a guarantee, has been returned after the work was not initiated.