Minister Lamsal commits to start rebuilding damaged roads, bridges, water systems this month

Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal has committed to begin rebuilding roads, bridges and drinking water structures damaged by floods and landslides within the month of Asoj.

He made the commitment during discussions at the ministry on Sunday with the prime minister's advisor Sudip Dhakal and elected representatives from affected areas.

Minister Lamsal said damage from the past three days will be assessed immediately, budget will be allocated, and work will be advanced quickly through the tender process. Temporary housing for displaced families will be arranged through local levels, he said.

According to ministry details, approach roads to bridges have been swept away at Pokhrebagar in Myagdi, Maldhunga in Baglung, and Dedgaun in Tanahun-Nawalparasi along the Kaligandaki corridor. A paved bridge over the Kaligandaki has also been swept away.

In Rambazar-Syange, Lamjung, about 40 meters of road has been eroded by the Marsyangdi, while about 50 meters of road has subsided at Naso-Bagarchhap in Manang. A rock-laden landslide has blocked the road at Naso-Khotro. Three temporary wooden bridges have been swept away in Chame.

The Nathigad suspension bridge in East Rukum and the Jaljala-Farse suspension bridge in Baglung-Parbat have been completely damaged. Suspension bridges connecting Ghiring-Bulingtar, Syangja-Palpa, Palpa-Tanahun, Setibeni in Parbat-Syangja, and Beni-Jaljala have suffered partial damage.

According to the ministry's preliminary details, 31 drinking water projects have been damaged nationwide, and more than a dozen roads, including the Prithvi, BP and Kanti highways, have been affected.