Myagdi. MYAGDI: Locals of Myagdi district have donated voluntary labour to repair a suspension bridge over Arjekhola on the border of Beni municipality-4 and Mangala rural municipality-3. Locals of Barangja took the initiative of New Star Youth Club to repair the bridge on Saturday.

The wooden plank laid on the bridge was constructed some 20 years ago and was dilapidated after it collapsed. Locals say that the problem of risk-taking has ended after the repair.

The plank was made by cutting down the local tuni tree. According to Club President Ganesh KC, around 100 locals donated voluntary labour on Saturday to remove the old planks and install new ones. According to him, Rs 66,600 was spent on cutting wood and purchasing materials.

KC said that the process of collecting support from the locals is still continuing. He said the repair of the 30-metre long bridge would benefit the locals of Arjekhola, Kharka, Banahapinge, Thamdanda, Singa and Tatopani among other areas.

Residents of Barangja used to use this suspension bridge to travel to Tatopani and Beni bazaar before road and transport facilities were established. Bijuli Mothers’ Group, community forest, B&P Club and other local organisations have also helped in the repair of the bridge, said KC.