The construction of bridge over Amochu, which is to be the longest bridge in the country, will supposedly take longer than stipulated. It was expected to be completed within December this year but it looks like it will take four more months to complete.
It had missed the initial deadline of September 2011. The construction began in April 2009.
A Project Manager, Janghuk Yeshi, said the construction of support pillars, taken up the Department of Roads, was completed on time. However, the erection of main steel structure, which was contracted out, is taking time.
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We recruit Indian workers so when they get their payments they leave for home and return only after two weeks or so.
Project Manager,
Sonam K. Tshering
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“As per our agreement with the contractor, the main steel erection works are supposed to complete by last month. But they said they faced some problems in between. So we discussed the matter and decided to give them four more months.”
The Project Managers from the contractor’s side, Sonam K. Tshering, said the works got delayed because they had to modify the fabrication works of the steel arch that was done by the previous contractor.
“The construction site is not easily accessible during the monsoon. Also, the construction materials like cement and stone aggregates do not reach the site on time due to non-availability in the market.”
Also, the contractor who took up the project failed had to keep up the pace of the project as expected. The work was then re-tendered twice, which also hampered the timely completion.
The Nu.240 million worth project, once complete, will link the Phuentshogling-Samtse Highway.
