Bajura's Temporary Bridges: A Perennial Struggle with the Monsoon
Every year, the monsoon season underscores a harsh reality for the residents of Tribeni Municipality in Bajura, Nepal. Despite significant expenditures, their lives are repeatedly disrupted by the lack of a permanent motorable bridge over the Budhiganga River. Temporary wooden bridges, constructed annually at locations like Maure, Balde, and Malagad, serve as the municipality’s only solution to maintain transportation. Tragically, these makeshift structures are swept away with each monsoon, rendering the region inaccessible and costing the local government millions in vain efforts.
Over the past seven years, Tribeni Municipality has spent a staggering 21 million Nepali rupees on temporary bridges. These bridges, though necessary, are precarious and unable to accommodate heavy vehicles, forcing locals to rely on porters or pack animals for transporting essential goods. The resulting surge in transportation costs directly impacts the prices of everyday items, burdening an already struggling population.
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The issue transcends economics, significantly affecting the vulnerable—pregnant women, the elderly, and those with medical emergencies. During the rainy season, transporting patients to hospitals often requires arduous journeys, with people being carried on stretchers for hours. The absence of a reliable bridge exposes residents to life-threatening risks and highlights a glaring infrastructural gap.
A concrete bridge could transform the lives of Tribeni’s residents, yet the construction remains stalled. A contract worth 160 million rupees was signed with BKOI Builders in 2021, but progress has been negligible. The local authorities blame contractor negligence, as only 14 million rupees of the allocated budget have been mobilized so far.
This issue is not new. Promises of a motorable bridge have been a staple of political campaigns, yet they remain unfulfilled. While road connectivity has improved across Bajura, the monsoon renders these advancements meaningless without permanent bridges. Tribeni’s residents, grappling with isolation and inflated prices, continue to await a lasting solution that honors their resilience and addresses their needs.
The situation in Bajura serves as a stark reminder of how infrastructural neglect can compound the challenges of those already living on the fringes. Building a permanent bridge is not just an economic necessity—it’s a lifeline for a community striving to move forward amidst relentless adversity.
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