With the increasing traffic congestion and changing travel preferences, expanding the road is an applaudable decision. Despite understanding the pain of those people whose houses and property have been affected by the expansion plan, I still believe that the decision taken by our government is right. But, to see the absence of effective and prompt implementation has been irritating. A campaign that started around two years ago has been procrastinated mainly due to the instability in the government. I’ve even seen places where buildings and walls were demolished about nine months back for the expansion project, but still no sign of reconstruction is seen.
Meanwhile, the approach undertaken while widening the existing roads is also questionable. Digging out roads randomly everywhere doesn’t leave any alternative route for the passersby. The dreadful condition of the roads has undoubtedly created discomfort to both the pedestrians as well as the vehicle drivers. Another group of people that have been directly disturbed by it are the street vendors. Their income generating opportunities are being disrupted by waterlogged roads. Once, I casually asked a street vendor near my home regarding his view on this matter. I wasn’t surprised a bit when he said, “It’s obvious to have weak roads when we have a weak government.” However, he instantly poured out an optimistic belief for the future development.
Not only the roads under construction but even the well constructed roads face difficulties in the monsoon. The major reason behind it is a poor drainage system. It’s almost been a common sight for people in Kathmandu to witness submerged roads at least once a year. For instance, the wide road of Jamal has been a usual spot where every year bikers turn into jet skiers and drivers into motor boaters. The rest of us have no option than to smile at such risky endeavors.
The pertinent power tussles between political parties have kept everyone intact within the frame of politics. But, to be ignorant and inactive in developing the core area of the infrastructural facilities shows the government’s negligence towards developmental issues. The context of road woes in Kathmandu is just an example which reflects authorities’ inclination towards big talks rather than execution and improvement. As the citizens of Nepal, we’re not asking for favors from our government. In fact, we have the right to demand proper utilization of the tax that we pay from our hard earned money. Therefore, responsible authorities need to quickly realize the socio-economic significance of infrastructural development unless they’re trying to foresee Kathmandu as a water sporting venue.
The writer is an MBA student at Ace Institute of Management, Sinamangal, Kathmandu.
Related story
Ensure better preparedness for monsoon disasters
