Helvetas approached the Department of Roads to design a 32 meters road bridge of Kizom Zam in Tang valley. However, we were informed that they did not have the capacity nor the software programme to design a road bridge beyond 25 meters. As such, it was agreed between the Department of Roads and Helvetas, that a short training on the use of SAP 2000 software programme will enable the engineers to update their skill and knowledge and at the same time carry out the design and drawing of the Kizom Zam. The training took place where 8 engineers from the Road Bridge Division participated including the suspension bridge engineers from 20-26 December 2008 with two resource persons from Bangladesh making the training a region based. The training was well received and the engineers from the road bridge are now working on the design, drawing after which they will also complete the formalities of the bill of quantities and prepare the contract document.
The study tour to Nepal consisting of 50 engineers, masons and carpenters from all 20 dzongkhags has been extremely useful as these officials have been instrumental in the construction of trail bridges in the country. From the feedbacks that we have received, the study tour has been most useful in the sense that they could visit the bridge sites in various parts of Nepal as well as the discussions with the beneficiaries and the communities. The study tour has been identified mainly to develop the capacities of the people in the dzongkhags who can carry out the construction of trail bridges with minimum support from the SBP in Thimphu, making it more independent and sustainable in the long run.
