Delay in Api road construction increases costs for locals
Darchula: The construction of the Makrigad–Khandeshwori road, which connects Khandeshwori, the center of Api Himal Rural Municipality, has been delayed. The project has faced repeated setbacks due to budget shortages and slow progress by the construction company.
The road construction began in the fiscal year 2077/78 BS, with a new contract signed on April 14, 2082 BS. Surkhet-based B&P Construction Service was awarded the contract to open the road, but only 20 percent of the work has been completed so far, even after deadline extensions, according to Laxman Dutta Joshi, Acting Chief Engineer at the Road Division Office, Patan Baitadi. The project’s total estimated cost is Rs 38.6 million.
The road covers a stretch of 2.5 kilometers from Makrigad, with one kilometer consisting of hard rock, said engineer Liladhar Bhatta of the Road Division Office, where the construction company is currently working. He noted that the contract deadline has been extended until mid-December. “Once the hard rock section is cleared, road cutting will be easier,” Bhatta said. “After reaching the village, soil leveling and wall construction will begin.”
According to Bishnu KC, a representative of the construction company, work will continue smoothly if there are no obstructions from locals. However, residents have been facing hardships due to the incomplete road. Gopi Lothyal, a local of Api Himal Rural Municipality-3, said that transportation costs have risen significantly as the road has not yet reached the rural municipality center. “At present, it costs Rs 10 per kilo to transport goods from Makrigad to Ghusa and Khandeshwori,” he said.
Api Himal Rural Municipality Chairman Bhagat Singh Thekare Bohara expressed hope that the road will reach the rural municipality center within the current fiscal year. This year, the Road Department has allocated Rs 30 million, and the rural municipality has provided Rs 10 million. Additionally, Rs 30 million was allocated from the MP Development Fund, though there are concerns that the fund’s budget may be reduced.