Only four bridges, out of the 16 contracted, have been built and the contractors have not even laid foundation stone for some yet. [break]
In view of this, the Charikot division office of the Department of Roads is preparing to draw back the advance money provided to the contractors.
According to the office, Friend and MM Construction and Sarvoudari, which was awarded the contract to construct a bridge over the Chauri River, for connecting Chauri-Gurasen road section in Kaverepalanchok, has not even started the work.
“We have sent a letter to the bank that stood as a guarantor for the contractor to immediately return the money,” said Dayanta Jha, the division office chief. The bridge was estimated to be made at the cost of Rs 18.9 million.
The construction of Likhu Bridge with an estimated cost of Rs 60 million hasn´t moved an inch. The contractor, Kankai and Ombuddha constructions, have not done anything in two years. According to the builders, they had unloaded construction materials at the site but were prevented by the local youths to carry out the work. The bridge would connect Sirishe of Ramechhap to Okhaldhunga district.
Similarly, the constriction of another bridge over the Ghatte River at Dolakha district, at the cost of Rs 19.5 million, could not progress due to negligence of Sarvoddar, Friends and Shrestha constructions. According to the division office, the contractors were supposed to complete the foundation of the bridge a year ago.
Similarly, the bridge over the Khimti River in Dolakha has made no progress either. The contractors, Sunaula Khimti and Dhurbatara, received the contract for Rs 16 million.
The bridge over the Tamakoshi River is under way. “However, it is least likely that they will complete the work in time,” said Jha. Rautahat and Mahadev Construction are engaged in the construction of the bridge.
Likewise, the construction work of Khairenighat bridge that connects Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts has also failed to meet its deadline.
“They could not complete the work on time and were given additional one year time. But it seems that they will not be able to complete the work even in the extended period,” Jha said. Kankai, Lama and Khampache Constructions were given the contract for the bridge with an estimated cost of Rs 67.5 million.
Similarly, just two pillars have been erected for the bridge over the Chanrange River at Tamakoshi market. “They erected just two pillars in two years,” Jha said.
“We have been drawing back the advance amount given to the contractors and planning to punish the sluggish contractors,” Jha said.
Hundreds of thousands of people have to face inconvenience every day due to lack of bridges at necessary places.
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