KHOTANG, Feb 23: The construction of Muhare-Rajapani-Simpani road section, which was obstructed by the locals, is all set to resume from Monday after the construction company agreed to fulfill the demands of the enraged locals.
The locals had obstructed the construction work of the 22-kilometer road stretch complaining of negligence by the contractor and inordinate delay in construction.
The locals had also demanded immediate release of the pending salaries of the construction workers.
The locals had obstructed the construction of the road stretch since Thursday.
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As the workers were not paid on time, the locals of wards 13, 14 and 15 of Majhuwagadhi Municipality and Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-11 had obstructed the construction of the road stretch.
The contract of the project was bagged by Bharat Construction/Siddhi Shahi JV. The construction company has agreed to clear the backlog salary of the workers, and fulfill other demands including blacktopping of Muhare section at the earliest, and minimize dust pollution during construction.
On Saturday, the locals agreed to step back from the protest following a meeting with chief district officer, representatives of the construction company, among other stakeholders.
During the meeting, a representative of the construction company said that the workers have been directed to complete the construction of the road stretch at the earliest.
Earlier, a protest of the workers of the road project had also halted the construction. They had snatched away the keys of the tipper truck and other vehicles belonging to the company and handed them over to the police on condition that the keys be returned after they get their salaries.
After that, the locals obstructed the construction with additional demands.
At least 150 workers had obstructed the construction of the road stretch.
According to Dinesh Rai, ward chair of Majhuwagadhi-14, said that it seems that the construction of the road stretch would not be completed on time as workers have been leaving their job after not getting their paycheck on time.
“If only the workers get their salaries on time, the construction would get completed,” he said, further adding that the workers are not motivated to work as they have not been paid for months.
