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Helvetas
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Swiss
Development Projects
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Bhutan's
Development |
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Bhutan's
Development |
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| Cooperation
Bhutan - Switzerland |
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| New
bridge in Wangduephodrang |
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At
a formal ceremony attended by government representatives from Bhutan and
Switzerland, professionals and technicians involved in its construction,
various development partners, and local residents, His Royal Highness the
Crown Prince described the bridge as an important part of the government's
effort to support and accelerate socio-economic development through the
improvement of transport and infrastructure. "This bridge will serve as
a reminder to our younger generation of the impressive history of bridge
building that existed in Bhutan for many centuries," Dasho Khesar said.
"It is a special pleasure to find the inspiring history of the old Tsangmi
Zam being reflected in a new bridge that is, itself, of great importance
to the people and the economy of Bhutan."
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The
Crown Prince conveyed Bhutan's appreciation to the government and people
of Switzerland - represented at the ceremony by the Helvetas secretary
general, Mr. Werner Kuelling, the head of Helvetas overseas department,
Mrs. Esthor Oettli, and the resident coordinator in Bhutan, Mr. Dieter
Zurcher - for this "gift" which has been described as a symbol of Bhutan-Swiss
friendship. The deputy minister for communications, Dasho Leki Dorji, described
the bridge as an important link in the national road infrastructure.
Mr.
Kuelling described the inauguration as a landmark in the long-standing
cooperation between Bhutan and Switzerland. Born out of personal friendship
between His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Mr. Fritz von Schulthess
50 years ago, Helvetas had taken over the cooperation in 1975 with technical
and financial assistance to suspension bridge programme and other infrastructure
development projects including medical centres and other institutions.
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The
two-lane arch bridge, with side-walks, spans 120 metres with an arch span
of 96 metres. It was built in 20 months with Helvetas spending Nu 65 million
and the royal government channeling Nu 20 million for additional costs.
The
discussions between Helvetas and the government began in 1995 on the construction
of the bridge. In the planning process over the years the government had
decided to build a stable concrete bridge instead of a traditional wooden
design which was initially proposed. After this was finalised the construction
of the bridge was started to coincide with the silver jubilee of Helvetas
in Bhutan. Work was taken up by an Indo-Bhutan joint venture, Singye Construction
and S.P. Malik Kolkatta, under the supervision of the department of roads.
It was completed seven months ahead of schedule.
| Information on Bhutan |
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