Kathmandu, May 21

Locals today obstructed vehicular movement on Chettrapati-Swoyambhu road section protesting against the inordinate delay in blacktopping the road, which has been left in limbo for the last two years.

Locals led by the ward chair of the area obstructed vehicular movement on the road from  9:00am to 11:00am. Ward Chair Nabin Manandhar of the area said they had to resort to the extreme measure after the authorities concerned did not heed their frequent requests. “I am answerable to people, but there is nothing I can do to help people get rid of the troubles caused by the dusty road. Thus, I supported them,” said Manandhar.

Ward Chair Manandhar complained that the contractor hired by the federal government ignored the requests of locals and local representatives. He accused the federal government of not giving the local levels the authority to hire contractors and construct local roads, on their own.

Locals said that the road, which was in perfect condition until a few years ago, was time and again dug up for laying utility cables and water pipes, but left unattended. “It has already been two years since the road was dug up, but it has not been restored yet. As a result, we are compelled to face dust and smoke,” said a local Anil Tuladhar.

This is not the first instance where locals have obstructed roads protesting delay over road construction and repair work. Earlier, vehicular movement was obstructed on Chabahil-Sakhu road section and Dholahiti-Chapagaun road section.