Bridge over Barjugad stands idle

By Sher Bahadur Sarki,Bajura, Jan. 5: Locals have been facing difficulties as a newly constructed bridge over the Barjugad River, located between Khaptad Chhededaha Rural Municipality–3 and Budhiganga Municipality–4 in Bajura District, has yet to come into operation.

Although the 45-metre-long concrete bridge was completed nearly a year ago, it remains unusable due to the absence of gabion filling on both sides. 

As a result, vehicles and pedestrians continue to struggle to cross the stream, particularly during the monsoon. 

The bridge was constructed at a cost of nearly Rs. 20 million by Sauda Adventure JV, contracted in 2019 to improve connectivity along the Atichaur road section via Betalmandau, Jhali, Pudawaula, Banegaun and Guiban. 

The construction was completed in 2024, several years later than the scheduled deadlines. 

Locals complain that without a proper filling, the bridge cannot be brought into operation, forcing locals to cross the Barjugad River directly. During the rainy season, the stream swells and makes the river crossing extremely risky.

Students from Pudawaula of Khaptad Chhededaha–3 regularly travel to Bhanodaya Secondary School in Budhiganga Municipality–5. 

However, they face hardship in reaching their school during the monsoon. 

The delay in opening the bridge has already resulted in tragedy.

On June 25, 2023, Sangita Sauda, 32, of Gwani, Khaptad Chhededaha–4, lost her life while crossing the river. 

According to locals, the project was initiated by the government in June 2019, following years of repeated hardships faced by locals. 

The contractor was supposed to finish the work within two years, but was completed much later due to the negligence of the construction company, said social activist Gomati Katuwal from Budhiganga.

Katuwal from Banegaun, Budhiganga Municipality–4, said the bridge remains useless without embankment work on either side. 

“Locals of Banegaun and Pudawaula have to cross this river almost daily. In winter, when water levels are low, crossing is manageable, but during the monsoon the river becomes violent and dangerous,” she said.

She said the bridge was built, but locals are still unable to use it.

However, Ishwar Saud, proprietor of Saud Adventure JV, claimed that his responsibility ended with the completion of the bridge structure. 

“The construction work has been completed. Now gabion filling on both sides is required,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jag Bahadur Thapa, Chief of the Infrastructure Development Office, Achham, informed that around Rs. 2 million had been spent last year to fill gabions on one side and a similar budget has been allocated this year. 

“The contract will be awarded within a few days and work will begin soon. We are preparing to bring the bridge into operation within this year at any cost,” he said.