October 20, 2003
 Japanese Assistance to Charka Bridge Construction Committee
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The Embassy of Japan has decided to extend a grant of twenty-four thousand and two hundred US Dollars (US$24,200), equivalent to approximately one million, seven hundred and seventy-eight thousand, four hundred and fifty-eight Nepalese rupees (NRs. 1,778,458) to Charka Bridge Construction Committee (CBCC) for the implementation of the Project for Charka Bridge Construction in Japan's fiscal year 2003 under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) scheme of the Government of Japan. The CBCC will utilize the grant for the construction of a 22 meter long steel truss bridge over Changchung Khola at Charka Village of Dolpa District.
A grant contract to this effect was signed and exchanged today between Mr. Kazumi Suzuki, Charge d'Affaires a.i. of Japan, and Mr. Nar Bahadur Budhathoki, Member of Charka Bridge Construction Committee.
Charka Village, a remote area in Dolpa District is situated on the major route for the trade between Upper Dolpa, Jomsom and Tibet. The village is also regarded as an intersection for commuting to and from Dunai, the district headquarter, and Upper Dolpa. The area also has been well known for the place where Mr. Ekai KAWAGUCHI, the first Japanese to visit Nepal in 1899, had stopped off during his visit towards Tibet. In spite of the importance of this village in terms of trade and communication in the region, lack of permanent bridge over the Changchung Khola has limited the social and economic link between these areas as the temporary wooden bridge constructed by the local people has been swept away frequently in the past due to the rise of the water level in the river and increase in debris flow. Hence, the CBCC has felt the urgent need of constructing a reliable and permanent bridge.
The required construction materials such as steel and cement etc. has been donated by Mr. Makoto NEBUKA and his friend in Japan. Mr. Nebuka, the Japanese writer who frequently visited the area has studied Mr. Ekai KAWAGUCHI, and introduced the lure of Dolpa to the Japanese people through his writings. The labor and other locally available construction materials for the Project will be contributed by CBCC. The Government of Japan will bear the transportation cost of major construction materials for the bridge construction from Nepalgunj to Charka by helicopter.
During the signing ceremony, Mr. Suzuki expressed his hope that the Project will be able to contribute, directly and indirectly, to strengthen the social and economic activities of about 5000 people residing in Upper Dolpa, and about 28,000 people in the whole district by providing accessibility through all seasons. He also expressed his firm belief that the Project will enhance the friendly relationship between the Kingdom of Nepal and Japan, and kindle the contribution of Mr. Ekai KAWAGUCHI in opening up the gate for friendship between the two nations about a century ago.
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