Siraha: The construction of a bridge over the Kamala River that connects Siraha to Dhanusha district remains incomplete for 14 years. The contractor was awarded the project in 2068 BS to construct the 469-metre-long bridge in three years.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the delay in the bridge construction has forced residents of the two districts to face significant challenges, compelling them to cross the river by risking their lives. Currently, locals rely on a makeshift wooden bridge to traverse the river.
“We have faced hardships for long,” said Prabin Yadav of Siraha-6 to the RSS. He explained that although the wooden bridge is risky, there are no other options available.
Motorcycle riders using the wooden bridge are charged up to Rs 50 for crossing, despite municipal claims that there should be no charge for its use.
The Pappu-Lumbini JV was initially responsible for the bridge construction. However, Lumbini Builders took over after Pappu Construction was blacklisted. Construction has been halted for the past month, as Lumbini Builders cites a pending insurance claim for flood damage as the reason for the delay.
Engineer Ranjit Kumar Raya, Information Officer of the Postal Highway Directorate Planning Office in Janakpur, stated that processes are underway to blacklist Lumbini Builders due to their failure to complete the project and for halting construction.