Residents of Triveni-5 say they will back only candidates who commit to bringing road access
BAJURA FEBRUARY 12
In a remote ward of Triveni Municipality that has never seen a motorable road, voters have drawn a line in the dust: no road, no vote.
Residents of Ward No. 5, known locally as Kimni, say they will cast their ballots in the March 5 House of Representatives election only for candidates who commit to bringing road connectivity to the area, a basic necessity that has eluded them despite years of political promises.
"Whoever brings the road will get our vote," locals say, expressing frustration over repeated assurances during previous elections that have failed to materialize into tangible progress.
Despite the implementation of federalism and multiple rounds of elections at local, provincial, and federal levels, Kimni remains cut off from Nepal's road network. Political leaders have routinely visited the ward during election seasons with development pledges, only to disappear once votes are counted.
"We have elected representatives to local government twice since federal restructuring and sent lawmakers to both provincial and federal assemblies," said Tuli Budha, a local resident. "Leaders visited during elections, pledging to construct roads and accelerate development. But those commitments remain unfulfilled."
According to local resident Ganesh Budha, the absence of road access has effectively blocked the gateway to development. Geographically remote compared to other wards of the municipality, Kimni remains beyond the effective reach of services and infrastructure.
The lack of connectivity has severely impacted daily life in the area. Economic opportunities are limited, with little scope for trade or employment. Education and health services remain in poor condition, school buildings lack basic infrastructure such as windows, doors, desks, and benches.
For medical treatment, residents must walk three to four hours to reach the nearest health facility. In emergencies, patients are transported in baskets or on stretchers carried by relatives and neighbors.
The municipal office is located in Ward No. 4 (Toli), requiring Kimni residents to undertake hours-long journeys on foot to access administrative services.
Farmers are similarly affected, as agricultural produce cannot be easily transported to markets. High transportation costs, where possible, prevent them from securing reasonable prices, according to Bharat Budha, another resident.
Although road construction was reportedly initiated from three different routes in previous years, the projects remain incomplete.
This time, residents say road connectivity has become a decisive political issue rather than just a development demand.
"We have voted in good faith before," said one resident. "This time, we want commitments in writing, and we want action, not just words."
According to the District Election Office, Bajura, there are 736 registered voters in Ward No. 5. The designated polling center is Rameshwori Secondary School.
As candidates begin their campaigns ahead of the March 5 election, they will find a community no longer willing to accept empty promises. For the 736 voters of Kimni, the message is clear: bring the road, or lose their votes.
