Khotang, August 13

In 2009, Kalika Construction and Hulas Engineering Company was awarded the contract to construct a bridge over the Dudhkoshi River at Jayaramghat linking Khotang and Okhaldhunga within 2011.

But six years on, only pillars on both sides have been constructed. President of Kalika Construction Bikram Pandey has recently assumed a ministerial berth in the incumbent Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government representing Rastriya Prajatantra Party, irking Khotang locals.

The two companies had signed a contract for the construction of the bridge at the cost of Rs 100 million six years ago.

Prime Minister Dahal inducted Pandey as the Minister of Land Reform almost a week ago. Locals complained that Pandey’s induction sent a message that people with power and money were free to do anything.

The bridge connecting Khotang’s Bahunidanda Village Development Committee with Okhaldhunga’s Thakle Village Development Commitee is the district’s major border point. Failure to build the bridge has adversely affected other development works as well.

A bailey bridge is used in Dudhkoshi River during winter. But, increased water flow in the river during the summer makes the bailey bridge impossible to use.

Chairman of Khotang chapter of Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rajendra Layalu commented that Pandey’s failure to meet his obligation had been rewarded.

The deadline for the bridge construction has been extended thrice. The third extension expired almost six months ago.

Lawmaker Panchkarna Rai said Minister Pandey had promised to complete the work at the earliest. A dispute between the two contracting companies has reportedly delayed construction of the bridge.