Many under-construction bridges in limbo

Phidim, July 27

Dozen of under-construction bridges have been left in a lurch due to the gross negligence on the part of contractors in Panchthar and Ilam districts.

Of them, at least three were being constructed by the District Development Committee, whereas others were being constructed under the Eastern Regional Division Road Office.

Construction of bridges at Mabu-Maimjhuwa, Toribari-Shantidanda, and Ojhele-Deumaidobhan under the DDC has been halted.

Sources said that the construction works failed to proceed due to wrong designs and estimates, as a result of which Rs 28.6 million budget was frozen last fiscal.

Similarly, bridges under-construction at Siddhikhola, Sukeninda, and Sukhani have been left in limbo although they were in the final stages of completion. Despite the contractors being warned that their contracts would be withdrawn in April, they have not come in contact yet.

“If the contractors don’t resume construction within a week, the agreement will be nullified automatically,” warned the Road Division. The bridges were being constructed under the directives of Division Road Office.

Similarly, bridge construction works over Sukeninda River, Budhi Sukhani, Lodiya Chyame and other places are yet to be completed.

“The construction was delayed due to the shortage of construction materials and other equipment,” said Road Division Office Chief Engineer Shiva Lal Yadav.