Phidim, November 13

The construction work of a bridge over the Tamor River that connects Panchthar with Terhathum is in a state of limbo as the concerned contractor has been out of contact for the past two years.

Birendra Katuwal, a local, accused the Department of Roads of neglecting the contractor’s absence for such a long time.

The bridge is being constructed under the Bridge Sector of the Department of Roads.

With a target of finishing the work within three years, the bridge construction had kicked off five years ago, but the work is nowhere near completion. This has had an adverse impact on people’s movement in Terhathum and Panchthar.

Lack of motorable road has also affected the movement of vehicles along Panchthar headquarters Phidim to Terhathum’s Myanglung.

Panchthar resident Hari Chandra Niraula said local farmers were unable to transport their produce to the market due to the non-completion of the bridge.

Some locals said the contractor was yet to clear the cost of some local materials used in the bridge construction and labourers’ wages.

Swochhanda Construction Company was awarded the contract to build the bridge at the cost of Rs 170 million.

The concerned staffers and the contractor have not come into contact for the past two years. Bridge guard Lok Bahadur Majhi said the bridge construction was left in limbo due to negligence on the part of the contractor.

The bridge is expected to benefit people from as many as 21 VDCs in Panchthar and Terhathum districts.