The days of using a ropeway as a lifeline to cross the Mochhu will be over by October for the residents of Bhalue chiwog at Chhubu Gewog in Punakha. The district administration has now taken over the construction of a bailey bridge over the river after the contractor missed several deadlines.
Lockdowns, shortage of labourers and increasing cost of construction materials amid the COVID-19 pandemic hampered bridge construction progress.
So far, only the construction of two abutments of the bridge is complete. The contractor could not procure materials to construct the remaining parts due to the pandemic.
The construction of the 150-feet long bailey bridge along with the construction of a farm road began in December 2020. The construction works worth Nu 13 M were supposed to be complete by September last year.
But the contractor missed the third deadline of June this year as well reasoning that the cost of the bridge has reached Nu 8.2 M, an increase of almost Nu 2 M from the initial estimate.
Consequently, the contractor submitted a contract withdrawal letter to the district administration as the two could not negotiate the price. The contractor couldn’t be reached for comments.
Meanwhile, in Bhalue chiwog, the residents are still using the ropeway to cross the Mochhu. Although there is an ancient trail as an alternate route people prefer the ropeway as it shortens the travel time.
“The people in the chiwog were extremely happy when we got the farm road and with the commencement of the construction of the bridge. But, that didn’t change anything in the village with the bridge still not complete. We are facing problems just like in the past,” said Kinley Gyeltshen, a resident of Bhalue chiwog.
“It has been around two years since the bridge construction works came to a halt. We would be grateful if the District administration could expedite the work. Due to the convenience, our people are currently using the ropeway over Mochhu to transport anything to the road point. But it is worrying as it is not safe,” said Bhalue Tshogpa Phurba.
Wangmo, another resident in the village said it is particularly challenging during emergencies.
“We are facing problems when people die or when we have to reach sick people to the hospital. We cannot rely on the ropeway during such emergencies.”
“The bridge would immensely benefit us, especially the elderly people. Today, we need someone to help us get into and out of the trolley while using the ropeway. But we wouldn’t have to face such issues if we had a bridge as we can easily reach our doorstep in the vehicle,” added Namgay, another resident.
The residents said even the farm road got damaged as they waited for the bridge to complete.
“Our entire farm road has been damaged by rainwater and soil erosion. Let alone vehicles, even power tiller and animals cannot use the farm road now. So, the entire resources and expenditure spent by the government for this road have gone to waste,” said Bhalue Tshogpa Phurba.
The district administration will now complete the remaining bridge construction works. Once complete, it will benefit more than 30 households of Bali chiwog.
Meanwhile, the office is advising the villagers to avoid using the ropeway as it poses risks.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Phub Gyem
