One of the four bridges being reconstructed under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Grant Aid Project has been completed. Passang zam at Pelrithang-Khatoed in Gelegphu was inaugurated on Saturday.
The new bridge is expected to help boost the local economy.
The newly reconstructed Passang zam measures 41 and a half metres. It was first constructed in 1970 as a still truss bridge with a limited load carrying capacity and height restriction. The works to reconstruct the bridge was awarded to a Japanese contractor in September 2017.
“There are four bridges being reconstructed at four different locations with help from the Japanese Government and the first one to be ready is the Passang bridge here. We have been receiving a lot of support from the Japanese government in boosting our economy and telecommunications and we are very grateful for it,” said Yeshey Penjor, the Agriculture and Forests Minister.
JICA’s Chief Representative said the reconstructed bridge will improve lives and help boost local economy.
“Resilience of road network infrastructure really matters. Incase on the event of a disaster such as a landslide and floods. A disaster-resilient road network would facilitate to send the rescue and medical supporting and relief goods to the affected areas. Smooth transportation of the destination is an essential part of rescue and relief operation,” said Kozo Watanabe, the Chief Representative of JICA.
The government requested the support of the Japanese government to reconstruct the bridges in 2014. The remaining three bridges- which are Samkhara zam and Betini zam in Sarpang and Teleganchu zam in Trongsa are expected to be completed by 2021.
Reconstruction of the four bridges commenced in 2017.
Karma Wangdi
