A 108-metre suspension bridge over Wangchhu at Bjimichhu was inaugurated on Saturday by the Home Minister, Dawa Gyeltshen. The government had spent over 4M ngultrum on the bridge.
The new bridge today serves as a lifeline for 65 households and a primary school of Bayul Kuenzang village under Bongo Gewog in Chhukha.
The village was earlier connected with a ropeway which locals would haul themselves across river Wangchhu. People shared life was difficult without a stable bridge and that many casualties have happened in the past while crossing the river using the ropeway.
“We are very happy now that the bridge has finally completed.” said a village Tshogpa, Yeshi Choden. “Until now, we had to take the ropeway which is very risky. It is just impossible for women to use the ropeway.”
“Earlier, only people can reach the other end through ropeway. We could not carry our rations. It was difficult for us.” added a local from Bayul Kuenzang, Sonam Dorji. “We are now thankful to the government for this bridge. It will make a huge difference for us.”
After crossing the bridge, locals walk three hours uphill to reach the village. A farm road for the village is also underway.
