JHAPA: Fourteen years have passed since construction began on a bridge over the Kankai River to connect Jhapa Rural Municipality–2 and Gaurigunj Rural Municipality–1, yet the project remains incomplete, leaving local residents deeply disappointed.

The bridge, launched under the Design and Build Model at a total cost of Rs 340 million including tax, has achieved only 56 percent physical progress so far. Uncertainty surrounding the project has intensified after the Department of Roads finally terminated the contract, citing prolonged delays and repeated dillydallying by the contractors.

As preparations for the House of Representatives election are underway across the country, including in Jhapa district of Koshi Province, voters here want candidates to prioritise the completion of this long-delayed bridge in their election agenda. Locals are demanding concrete commitments, policy-level interventions, and a proactive role from candidates to address what they call a “pressing issue.”

Nepali Congress (NC) Jhapa president and election candidate Deu Kumar Thebe Limbu said the bridge construction has become the foremost concern raised by voters during interactions.

Jhapa–4, is considered relatively lagging behind in terms of development, has a total of 130,712 voters.

Chhabi Paudel of Situmari in Jhapa Rural Municipality–1 said, “This time, we will not be convinced by the same assurances candidates made in the past.”

Along with the NC, parties such as CPN (UML), the Nepali Communist Party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and others are contesting the election. Since the first general election of 2048 BS, the NC and CPN (UML) have dominated national politics, and past election results in this constituency also reflect that rivalry. However, this time, new political forces and alternative political streams appear to be gaining voters’ attention.

Ultimately, March 5 will determine whether the public places its trust in conventional political parties or emerging alternatives. #nepal #rss