Dillydally mars the upgradation of Beshisahar-Chame Road

Manang, March 4 :   Upgradation and blacktopping of the Besishahar-Chame Road that connects with mountainous district Manang has been mired by sluggish construction.     

Much to the dismay, despite the budget allocation, the upgradation and blacktopping of 7.8 kilometres of the road's stretch have achieved only around 40 per cent physical programmes so far.     

Contract was awarded to Ashish Anest JV Chitwan for blacktopping from Chautara in Manang to Khudi to complete blacktopping as of mid-July this year and at the cost of over Rs 250 million. The carriageway of the road will be 5.5 metres and will be used for heavy vehicles to ferry goods.     

The progress has been dismal as four months remain to reach the deadline of the contract, said Achyut Bilas Panta, chief of Road Office.     

"The chief of the construction company is not attending the meetings called by us. We have summoned the chief of Contractor Company on coming March 11. We will discuss the matter in details on the day."     

The road has not been graveled while canal construction has achieved 50 per cent progress. Wall erection has seen 60 per cent progress. "Major task is blacktopping which is taking forever," he rued.     

The road constructed by the Nepali Army in 2069 BS has been a backbone to Manang and northern Lamjung folks.     

Chief District Officer of Manang district, Suprabha Khanal Dhunge, admitted that complaints were pouring in from public regarding delay in upgradation of the road and the local authority was effortful to hold discussions with the concerned parties.     

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