KATARI (UDAYAPUR), Dec 27: Authorities concerned have assured completion of the extensively delayed permanent bridge in the Dhurmi-Harakpur border area between Udayapur and Okhaldhunga districts in the coming six months.
The project remains ongoing even 11 years after its commencement.
In a bid to complete the project by June 2013, a stakeholder group comprising representatives from political parties, the Roads Department, the district administration office and civil society has been formed.
At a recent all-party meeting organised by the stakeholder group, representatives from the Roads Department and the construction company,Waiwa Construction, said the bridge now extends up to three pillars and the remaining section will be completed within the proposed time.
Daily travel and goods traffic from Sagarmatha Zone have been facing high costs and hardship due to the lack of a bridge, informed Radha Krishna Shrestha, local develoment officer (LDO) in Okhaldhunga district.
Ram Prashad Dangal, UML under-secretary in Khotang, said, "Completion of the bridge will bring change and new hope for locals travelling in the districts, especially Khotang, Okhaldhunga and Solukhumbu.”
According to Arjun Aryal, chief enginner at Okhaldhunga-Harakpur Road Project office, the construction can see completion in six months if work progress accelerates on a daily basis. Aryal informed that some Rs 140 million has been spend on the project lately.
The bridge will stretch up to 170 meters and have two lanes.
Meanwhile, a ferry being used at the construction site has been taken to Jayaramghat for temporary use. Jamayamghat lies in the border region of Khotang and Okhaldhunga districts.
"A ferry being used there was washed down to the Dudhkoshi at Dhabwalang,” said Aryal.
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