There are more than 6,000 rivers and streams in Nepal and in many places
there are no means of crossing. Many people have lost their life or
been injured during monsoon floods, attempting to cross by swimming or
using grass ropes and wooden pulleys, simple boats or wooden rafts. Wire
bridges (tuin) are an indigenous technology and one of the most common
structures for river crossing in such rivers in rural Nepal. It has
single wire rope, pulley and simple wooden trolley. These traditional
tuins however, are dangerous. So Practical Action in Nepal conducted a
study to improve the existing tuin technology. Ideas for improving the
design came mainly from the local communities during discussions with
Practical Action's technical experts.
