Over 5 yrs gone by, construction of 1.8 km road yet to be complete

By Siraj Khan, Nepalgunj, Jan 27: Construction of an 1800-meter long road at Khajura in Banke district has not been completed even in five and a half years although the work was supposed to be over in 30 months.

The Khajura Bazar locals have been forced to bear the brunt of the incomplete, dusty road as the contractor has left the construction in limbo.

The road section from Dhanauli to 1 number Bazar in Khajura was to be widened to four lanes one and the construction agreement was reached in 2017. A contractor named Gajurmukhi Nirman Sew Ilam has won the bid to build the road with estimate cost of Rs. 214.9 million.

Satish Niraula, a local, said the locals had staged demonstration for many times demanding timely construction of the road, but the situation has not changed much as there no progress is seen in construction despite extension of construction deadline.

The construction company has been able to get construction deadline extended in the excuse of the COVID-19 pandemic and unfavourable weather, according to road division office of Nepalgunj.

Dambar BK, Chair of Khajura Rural Municipality, said the construction work was yet to be complete although they had complained about this at different agencies.

Lately, Krishna KC, Lumbini Provincial Minister without portfolio, telephoned contactor Bamdev Regmi and directed to complete the work as soon as possible, and this has raised hope of the people.