It will not be long before the monsoon ordeals of Sangyethang and Zhisathang residents in Sarpang are put to rest. They will get a motorable bridge over Samatung River. The facility has been on their priority list for quite some time now.
People of the two villages in Senggye Gewog have been requesting for a bridge mainly to transport their farm products to Gelephu and Sarpang towns during rainy seasons. Today, they have to use a suspension bridge for the purpose.
“Since the river swells in summer, transportation of things consumes a lot of time. If we use the suspension bridge, it will take us an hour to reach the gewog centre. Therefore, a motorable bridge would solve a lot of our problems including getting sick people to the hospital on time,” Tenzin Penjor from Zhisathang, said.
“Using the bridge to get across consumes more time since our place is located far from it. It would be convenient for students and sick people visiting the hospital if we have a motorable bridge over the river,” Shamdoj Subba from Sangyethang, said.
Locals added their vehicles come useful only in winters when the water level of Samatung River subsides. They said trying to drive across the river, which remains swollen in summer, is risky. The sands and stones washed down also leave their vehicles damaged.
Meanwhile, according to the gewog administration, the contract for construction of a 160-meter long bailey bridge over Samatung River is already tendered out. The works, worth Nu 50 M, are expected to begin soon.
Karma Wangdi
