KATHMANDU, Feb 17: Though the Department of Roads awarded the contract to build the 3.6 km Chabahil-Jorpati (Bagmati bridge) road to the contractor, United Builders, a year ago, the project is yet to see any progress. The construction of the road is yet to start as the right of way is yet to be cleared.
Soon after winning the contract, the contractor tried to acquire the land “encroached upon” by the nearby houses. But acquiring land couldn't be successful as the issue fell into the controversy of land surveys of 2021 BS and 2045 BS.
Deepak KC, manager of the road project, said that they are unable to start the construction though the contract was signed a year ago. “The contractor, too, has claimed to have incurred losses saying that its laborers, technicians and machines have remained idle for a year,” said KC, “But we have dismissed the claim.”
Some house-owners have been successful in getting stay orders from the Supreme Court, preventing the project authorities from demolishing the parts of their houses encroaching upon the project land.
However, there are also those who have accepted the road expansion plan and demolished the part of their houses, clearing space for the project, said government officials.
Bhaikaji Tiwari, Chief Commissioner of the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, admitted that some house owners have challenged the right of way of the project, making starting construction difficult.
The road has been in a dire state for long. “Some have cooperated to clear the way for the project, while others have not,” added Tiwari.
Pappu Construction fails to build bridge, govt breaks contract
