The Merak Gewog farm road, which was supposed to be completed by the beginning of this year, is yet to meet the deadline.
The construction of the road is divided into two phase. Phase one from Khardung to Kakthong Gangsa is complete. It is the second phase, from Kakthong Gangsa to Jimiling, which is still under construction.
A farmer, Lobzang Norbu, who has to commute the every other day, said they only can drive half way. He questions what the use of the farm road is when they have to walk the other half of the journey. “When we talk about the delay in the completion, the contractor says he has the right and does not listen.”
Another farmer, Wangda, said he doesn’t remember when exactly the construction of the road was to be complete. “It is never finishing and we are suffering.”
The cost of second phase alone comes around Nu.16 million.
The Merak Gup Gayden, over a telephonic interview, said the gewog administration has been receiving complaints from the people. He said the gewog is equally concerned about the delay.
“They need some more time to complete the work because the place is muddy and the road needs double stone soling,” said the Gup. Gayden also said the place, where construction is is currently taking place, is prone to frequent rain. “People should try and understand the situation.
The site manager of Yarab Construction, who is undertaking the road construction, is blaming the bad weather for the delay. He said since the area is prone to frequent rain in the summer and snow in the winter, they only get three months to work in a year.
He said it would take another three to four months to complete the construction works. “Only draining works are incomplete,” he added.
The Dzongkhag administration has extended the construction deadline till the end of November this year.
