After missing three deadlines, the suspension bridge over Mangdechhu in Rindigang, Zhemgang was finally inaugurated on Wednesday.
The people of two remote chiwogs of Dhigala and Langdhorbi in Bardo Gewog have been waiting for the opening of the 115-metre long steel tied arch suspension bridge.
“We are thankful to the government for building the bridge. We will no longer have to walk long distances,” Yeshi Dorji from Degala said.
“Visiting hospital would be easier now with the bridge,” Chimi Wangmo, also from Degala, said.
Earlier, people used the old suspension bridge to cross across.
“We had to carry everything on our back then. The bridge was meant for people and not for animals, so we couldn’t use our horses to transport loads,” Needup Gyeltshen said.
Dhigala and Langdhorbi Chiwogs of Bardo Gewog were connected with farm and feeder roads in 2011, but due to lack of a motorable bridge, the roads remain unused.
“The roads got damaged by landslides and flood. Now that the bridge is open, I hope maintenance would be carried out,” Dawa Gyeltshen said.
The bridge will also benefit Duenmang Chiwog of Nangkor Gewog and Trong Gewog.
The Department of Roads (DoR) began the construction of the bridge in 2011. It was built mainly for the upcoming 770 MW Chamkharchu Hydropower Project in Dhigala.
It cost Nu 150m and was the project was funded by the government of India.
