BOLENG, Sep 14: The cluster of villages in the Nugong Banngo area in Siang district have called for the release of the last installment of funds for the construction of a new bridge over the Siang with historic roots.
The village kebang led by its president, T K Kopak, is seeking the release of funds for the historic structure.
The old bridge connected the land where British assistant political officer Noel Williamson, and his Dr Gregorson along with other sepoys were assassinated in March 1911 which led to the Anglo-Abor ‘War’ of 1911-12.
The foundation stone of the Nugong Bridge was laid by former chief minister, late Dorjee Khandu, on 12 December 2008.
Since then, work on the bridge had faced several delays and the area was connected only recently in June this year.
While the bridge has been connected, smaller components including fitting of the deck plate, wind cable etc, is required.
The state PWD has reportedly even taken money from private sources on interest which has been used completely for the bridge, an official report from the West Siang DIPRO said.
The villagers have called upon the state government to complete the bridge and not to leave it to be ruined “due carelessness”.
Recent rains and other causes have already left sections of roads in several parts of the state damaged including the Sangam steel suspension bridge in Siang district collapsed with a heavily loaded truck on it. (DIPRO)
20