Even though the locals of Rasuwa district are elated over the recent opening of the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung customs point from China, they fear that the poor conditions of roads after the devastating April 25 earthquake will hamper the import of petroleum products.

However, locals had nevertheless invested on vehicles, hotels and godowns, expecting business activities once the Rasuwagadhi border point officially opened last year. Some had even bought small goods carrying vehicles and cargo trucks on loan.

Bibash Ghale, a container driver in Syaphrubesi, rued the fact that he had to sell his jeep to pay timely installments on loans after the trade business failed to flourish. “There is hardly any trade in the area due to the damaged and narrow roads,” he said.

Some were also operating hotels, restaurants and store houses at the local bazaar in Timure. But much of the infrastructure has now been of no use following the massive earthquake.

However, even with much of the development activities coming to a halt in the area after the earthquake, the customs office has been refurbished for operation. This has brought an optimistic feeling after fuel tankers successfully entered through the area.

Tank drivers who have been to Rasuwagadhi-Kerung area to fetch fuel had mixed feelings. Drivers said they faced difficulties due to the narrow road with several sharp curves along Syaphrubesi-Sano Bharkhu section and damaged road in Ramchet and Dhunche areas.

Tanker driver Abhiram Bista said they felt excited to carry fuel from the Rasuwagadhi border point. “We faced difficulties to travel 83 kilometres along Betrabeti-Syaphrubesi section,” said Bista, adding that they will still need a more upgraded road to carry fuel more smoothly.

Chairman of the Nepal-China Kerung Trade Association Man Bahadur Tamang said the country cannot benefit until the road is upgraded. “It took several days to carry the fuel which China provided us,” Tamang said.