BAJURA, MAY 2 A suspension bridge over the Neti River in Himali Rural Municipality–3 of Bajura remains incomplete even after more than a decade, causing severe hardship to local residents. Construction of the bridge had begun in 2067 BS with a target to complete it within two years under the Poverty Alleviation Fund. However, the project has remained abandoned for around 15 years, according to local representatives. The bridge, estimated initially at Rs 4.329 million and later revised to Rs 5.172 million, has seen over Rs 2.5 million already spent. Despite this, there has been no progress in recent years, and construction materials have reportedly been left unused. In the absence of the bridge, locals are forced to cross the river using makeshift wooden structures, posing serious risks. At least three people, including a local resident, have died in the past 10 years while crossing the river. During the monsoon, movement is completely disrupted after temporary wooden crossings are washed away. Even in the dry season, at least 13 people have been injured in the past five years while attempting to cross. The situation has also affected education, as a school located across the river remains closed for up to four months during the rainy season due to lack of safe access. Locals said repeated efforts to complete the bridge have gone unaddressed. Funds for the project were sourced from multiple bodies, including the Poverty Alleviation Fund, local government, and community contributions, but the project remains stalled due to lack of additional support. Chairperson of Himali Rural Municipality, Gobindra Bahadur Malla, said coordination is ongoing with federal and provincial authorities to resume and complete the bridge construction.