Trail Bridge SWAp Program (TBSWAp)
Trail Bridge Evolution in Nepal
Nepal has a long tradition of constructing trail bridges. For centuries, communities have been building bridges across Himalayan Rivers using indigenous technologies. At the beginning of the 20th century, the government started to become involved in constructing bridges at key locations. It was however only in 1964–65 that system¬atic and planned construction started, including Swiss support that has since led to one of the most success¬ful development partnerships in Nepal.
Before 1990s Trail bridges were built mostly on the main trail at a rate of up to 20 bridges per year. It was still not enough to meet the high demand for local trail bridges.
Therefore, an alternative bridge technology modeled after the traditional Baglung bridges and suitable to community approach was developed. These bridges are built and maintained by the community people themselves. Thus there is greater ownership, accountability and transparency observed in bridge building process. Besides, significant volume of local employment is generated benefiting local people and enhancing their capacity through transfer of skills. Consequently, average number of bridges built per year is increased to above 150 and are serving remote and isolated communities. At present, Nepal has a network of approximately 4,750 trail bridges. There is a potential demand of additional 6,000 bridges.
Trial Bridge Sub-Sector Program
Until 2008 Trail Bridge Program was supported by different funding agencies in different districts of Nepal. In order to harmonize and increase efficiency, Trail Bridge Program entered into Sector-Wide Approach more commonly known as TB-SWAp. TB-SWAp is government-led program and is operational since September 2009 with the aim of improving aid effectiveness, better-coordinated and harmonized support for trail bridge program. The contributing partners are GoN, WB, ADB, DFID and SDC.
TB-SWAp is governed by a National Policy TBS/LIDP with 16 Manuals at its core defining the norms, standards, technologies, procedures and TB SWAP Directives. The main purpose of the TB SWAp is to promote a coherent, realistic, government-led approach for planning, construction and maintenance of trail bridges. The Policy compulsorily mandates to work with the communities, capacitated NGOs and private sector and in decentralized planning and implementation approach. TB-SWAp is a national program covering all 75 Districts.
The Government of Nepal, WB, DFID, ADB, and SDC have agreed to provide funds for TB SWAp. SDC provides Technical Assistance for Trail Bridge Sub-Sector through Helvetas/ Trail Bridge Support Unit. A five year plan covering the period July 2009 to June 2014 is prepared.
A budget of US $ 72.3 million is estimated for execution of the planned activities. In addition, a budget of US $ 7.0 million is estimated for providing technical assistance.
Goal and Outcome
The goal of the program is to contribute towards poverty reduction through improvement of access to social & basic services and economic resources & opportunities of the local people by building trail bridges within one hour detour:
TB SWAp will contribute towards attaining the goal through achieving its two major Outcomes i.e. engagement of local communities enhanced in the construction and operation of trail bridges to improve safe access to basic services and economic opportunities at local level; and institutional framework at national level strengthened to enforce TBS/LIDP in the construction and maintenance of trail bridges.
It is expected that 2.2 million people including 50% disadvantaged people will enjoy safe and improved river crossing facility through construction of 2,200 bridges. An increase of 15% is expected in school attendance and number of patients visiting health posts. Market or small shops are expected to emerge in the vicinity of 220 bridges. Jobs for 5.7 million person-days are expected to be created at construction sites. Inclusive Users’ committees (UCs) will be formed for construction of bridges with proportionate representation of beneficiary population. At least 33% women representation in UCs is ensured. Transparency in bridge building is ensured through Public Hearing, and Public Audit at the bridge sites.
Implementation
The trail bridge program is a decentralized program and the responsibilities of planning, implementation, operation and maintenance remain with the local bodies. Short span trail bridges (span upto 120m) are implemented through community approach whereas long span trail bridges (span above 120m) are implemented through turn-key contract modality.
DoLIDAR, at the center coordinates for the national Trail Bridge Program among GoN, Development Partners, and local bodies. It also facilitates local bodies in procuring foreign materials especially steel wire ropes and bulldog grips. Trail Bridge Support Unit/ HELVETAS Nepal on behalf of SDC provides technical support that mainly focuses on building capacity of the sub sector and quality monitoring of the bridges.
Capacity Building
The huge number of bridges to be constructed coupled with specialized know how requirements lead to the needs of capacity building of the relevant section, department and organizations of the government at the central and local level as well as of NGOs, communities and private sector.
At community level, bridge building know-how is imparted through Demonstration Model Bridge Training (DMBT). Knowledge and skill on routine maintenance is also imparted to bridge wardens. Knowledge on planning, bridge technology, construction and maintenance is imparted to practitioner engineers, sub engineers and asst sub engineers at districts and center. Fabricators of steel parts, contractors and consultants are also given orientation and coaching in their working areas.
Bridge Costs
Trail bridge is a very cost effective rural transport infrastructure. The average per capita cost of the bridge is about USD 12.5. Ninety percent of bridge cost is provided by the central government to local government as conditional grants and 10% of costs are contributed by local bodies including District Development Committees, Village Development Committees and users.