Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Road Construction: Chinese Company’s Negligence and Government Inaction
Rasuwa, Timure – The road construction project connecting Syaphrubesi to Rasuwagadhi has become a matter of public frustration due to the negligence of the Chinese contractor and a lack of attention from the Nepalese government. Kami Chhiring Tamang, Ward Chairperson of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-2, Timure, expressed his concerns about the halted construction and its significant impact on the local community in a recent conversation with Nepal Aaja.
Chinese Contractor: Inauguration Without Progress
According to Ward Chairperson Tamang, it has been almost 15 years since the Rasuwagadhi border checkpoint was opened. However, the Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road construction, entrusted to a Chinese company, has seen little to no progress.
“The Chinese company was awarded the contract and conducted a ceremonial inauguration. However, using COVID-19 as an excuse, no construction work has been carried out for the past five years. Even now, the project remains in the hands of the same contractor,” Tamang stated.
Ineffectiveness of Governmental Bodies
The project is governed by a government-to-government agreement between Nepal and China, which has tied the hands of local, provincial, and federal governments in intervening. According to Tamang, this agreement has become a major hurdle, as any independent action by Nepalese authorities could be deemed diplomatically inappropriate.
“The people here are suffering due to the Chinese company’s negligence. The Nepalese government must pay attention to this project, but no concrete action has been taken so far,” he added.
Poor Road Conditions and Difficult Travel
The current state of the Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road is deplorable. The road is riddled with potholes, and frequent landslides have made travel extremely challenging. “If the government and the Department of Roads had paid proper attention, the situation would not have reached this point. The delay in construction has severely impacted trade and tourism,” Tamang explained.
Local Government’s Demand
Ward Chairperson Tamang urged the Nepalese government to reconsider its agreement with the Chinese contractor and prioritize the road construction project. “Immediate action is necessary to address this crisis. The project holds strategic importance for Nepal, and further delays will only worsen the situation for the people,” he emphasized.
Strategic and Economic Importance
The Rasuwagadhi border is a vital trade route and holds significant strategic importance for Nepal. The negligence of the Chinese contractor and the government’s inaction have compounded the hardships faced by the local population. Addressing this issue requires immediate and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to ensure timely progress and restore public trust.
