Renovation of Flood-damaged Roads and Bridges Comes to a Standstill

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May 25: The renovation of bridges and roads of Tarai, which were damaged by the massive floods during last monsoon in July and August, has remained stalled. Since the renovation is yet to go through bidding process, the renovation and reconstruction of the damaged structures along the highways and link roads of Tarai hasn't moved ahead.

According to the Department of Roads, budget for the reconstruction of the damaged roads and bridges has not been available yet. The department's Spokesperson Mukti Gautam said, "Due to the unavailability of budget, the department could not initiate the tender process for the reconstruction." "Even if the budget is made available now, the reconstruction work is impossible as it needs 2/3 months for tender process," he added.

The floods had largely damaged the roads and bridges along the main highway and other link roads. "The damaged roads and bridges are still being operated after temporary repair," informed Gautam. Due to the lack of renovation this year, it is likely to create more problems in the upcoming monsoon again.

The department has demanded Rs 3 billion from the government for the reconstruction and renovation of those damaged bridges and roads. According to Gautam, the department had been pleading with the finance minister to release the budget. However, the budget has not been obtained. But the department was informed that the National Reconstruction Authority will reconstruct the flood-damaged roads.

 On the other hand, the authority's Information Officer Manohar Ghimire said that it will not take responsibility to reconstruct the flood-damaged roads as its steering committee has already decided not to work on road construction.

 

 

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