Despite being connected by farm road since 2017, the people of Zangthig and Tshogthang chiwogs in Lauri Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar have to walk more than three hours from Betsheeling. That’s because there is no motorbale bridge over the Betsheeling river.
The people of the two chiwogs currently use the suspension bridge over the river to cross across.
Two locals have taken their vehicles over the suspension bridge to the other side from where they operate, providing transportation service to the people.
Villagers say a bridge would not only save them from the long walks but also enable them to take their farm produce to the market.
“Due to the lack of bridge, we grow vegetables for own consumption only. If a bridge is built, we will grow for sale as well,” Towkey, a local resident, said.
Lauri Gewog authorities said the foundation works for bridge over the Betsheeling river have already been carried out.
The Gewog Mangmi, Tenzin, said the plan is to build the bridge in the first year of the 12th Five Year Plan.
The Gewog Administration has allocated about Nu 9 M for the procurement of the materials to construct the bridge.
The bridge once complete will benefit the people of Dungmanma Chiwog besides Zangthig and Tshogthang chiwogs.
