Although the bridge could be vital to develop trade relationship between the two districts, the only visible progress in construction has been the erection of three pillars, which too is not fully complete.The three-year contract for the project ended last July and the deadline was extended till April 8, informed Ishwor Bahadur Rijal, chief of Road Division Office in Dhankuta. Despite a substantial budget of Rs 100.3 million, the construction has not made any stride. Yet, neither the contractor is serious about its timely completion, nor has the government bothered to pressurize it.
"There have been numerous attempts to draw the attention of the concerned authorities over the delay in the construction of the bridge," said Ramesh Thapa, a local. "However, it is a big disappointment to see that the progress is limited to erection of three pillars in three years," he added.
Locals have visited the contractor and the concerned government departments numerous times in hope of speeding up the construction, but to no avail.
In lack of the motorable bridge, locals of Terhathum and Panchthar districts are forced to travel on foot. Motorcyclists could be seen riding their bikes through suspension bridge as they are left with no other choice.
"The delay in bridge construction has severely pushed Panchthar district backward in terms of development in transportation sector. Though we have road access to Yasok and Syabarumba VDCs, we are not able to utilize it due to lack of the bridge," said Man Bahadur Majhi, a local of Syabarumba-9.
If completed, the bridge would be of six meters breadth and 200 meters long, which would be supported by six pillars, according to Rijal, chief of the Road Division Office.
"Along with the contractor's negligence, unavailability of required budget has also played its role in the delay," he said. Rijal further added that Rs two million budget has been allocated for the bridge construction this fiscal year.
Related story
Residents demand stringent laws against contractors
