SIRAHA: The Golbazar–Lagadi–Gadiyani road, which was supposed to be completed within two years, remains unfinished nearly five years after construction began.
The 28-kilometer stretch, which connects Siraha Municipality, Arnama Rural Municipality, and Golbazar Municipality in Siraha, continues to burden locals with muddy roads during the rainy season and dust in the dry months.
Locals say their hopes have faded due to prolonged delays and negligence. “We were excited when the road construction began, thinking it would be blacktopped soon,” said Jageshwor Yadav, a local resident.
“But the contractor just dug up the sides of the road and left it. We’ve been stuck with mud and dust for years now.”
Sikendra Yadav of Arnama Rural Municipality-3 echoed the frustration, saying the unpaved road has only added to their suffering. He noted that while the road is frequently mentioned during elections in Siraha Constituency-3, the issue fades once voting is over.
“We were promised the road would be blacktopped in two years, but even after five years, we’re stuck with the same problems,” he said.
The Postal Road (Hulaki Marga) Directorate, Planning Office, Janakpur, began the project in Bhadau 2077 BS. The foundation stone was laid by then-Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Basanta Kumar Nembang, with a deadline set for completion by Falgun 23, 2079 BS.
However, little work has been done since, aside from drainage construction and gravel layering in a few spots.
The deadline has already been extended twice—first to Falgun 22, 2080 BS, and then to Falgun 22, 2081 BS. Yet, physical progress stands at just 28 percent, according to Krishna Kumar Mahato, head of the Directorate.
He said preparations are underway to extend the deadline by one final year. “We hope the work will be completed within this timeframe,” Mahato said. “Otherwise, we will initiate action against the contractor.”
Arnama Rural Municipality Chairman Ashok Yadav expressed concern over the hardship faced by residents due to the contractor’s negligence and lack of accountability from the Directorate. “Despite repeated requests, the contractor has now stopped responding,” he said.
The contract was awarded at a cost of Rs 913.979 million. So far, the Directorate has disbursed Rs 254.977 million (excluding VAT) to the contractor.
Comment