The Constitution of Nepal, promulgated in September 2015, ended among others, a centralized unitary system of governance into a federal democratic one. The Constitution of Nepal provides exclusive and concurrent rights to each sphere of the governments.

Demarcation of roles and responsibilities for strategically important sub-national road network is still being discussed. This will largely elaborate the constitutional provisions and define how the services are delivered at the provincial levels.

Bridge building can be an effective entry point to demonstrate how federal orientation of the Constitution can be operationalized resulting in people’s confidence in the new federal system, increase their access to basic services and economic opportunities leading to a harmonious and prosperous Nepal.

-    More than 1.5 million additional people will directly benefit from 200 new motorable bridges; 

-    About 0.8 million person days (p-days) employment generated;

-    The Federal Government and Provincial Governments will benefit from institutional and legal/policy reforms aimed at devolved service delivery;

-    Private sector (engineering consultants and contractors) operating in the province;

-    Engineering Institutes

-    Government apply and enforce Constitution friendly bridge strategy to expand all weather road network at provincial level;

-    People have access to economic opportunities and basic services using the provincial  road network.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

Output 1.1:    MoFAGA/DoLI produces uniform standards, norms and guidelines for Province Governments;

Output 1.2:    Provinces have functional bridge units;

Output 1.3:    Information system on Provincial Roads Network (PRN) is established and updated;

Output 1.4:    Private sector engage and provide their services in bridge building in the provinces;

Output 2.1:    People are accessing basic services and economic opportunities;

Output 2.2:    People, especially DAGs including women in the Bridge Zone of Influence (ZoI) are employed in bridge construction works.

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

SDC has engaged in this sector since 2011 through 3 phases of Motorable Local Roads Bridge Programme.

The previous phases successfully transitioned from a ‘Centre and District’ structure to a provincially-based system. Programme restructuring at a Provincial level supports Nepal’s federalization initiatives and clarity of road & bridge ‘ownership’ at the Provincial level. This helped reduce duplication and interference.

People marked 10-20% reductions in trip duration and 20-25% in trip costs to schools, health posts, markets, administrative and financial services, etc. Majority of bridges recorded annual traffic growth of between 20-80% above the baseline. These results provide a strong justification of the success of the programme.

Over 1.2 million person-days of work have been created of which over 80% went to members of the disadvantaged groups in the community (DAGs) through construction of 358 bridges.