Blacktopping of the Duenchhukha Gewog Centre (GC) road in Samtse is complete. It was finished seven months ahead of schedule. The blacktopped road is expected to reduce travel time from Dorokha dungkhag to Duenchhukha Gewog by over an hour.
Apart from a few causeway drainage constructions which are ongoing, the road is fully blacktopped, much to the delight of people in the gewog.
“The road condition in the past was terrible. In most areas during monsoon, we had to resort to four-wheel drive. Even for the people, they had to pay high fares,” said Hem Raj Limboo, a resident of Duenchhukha Gewog.
“We were in such a difficult state. Even bolero pickup trucks struggle on our road. With the blacktop, the whole of Duenchhukha will benefit. People can now travel, bring in essentials, and construction materials with ease,” added Shiva Lal Dhungyel, also from Duenchhukha Gewog.
The works which also include construction of drains and retaining walls began last summer. It is now expected to uplift the living standard of the residents.
“The road will lift the people’s standard of living. It has now become convenient for the people to take their agriculture, livestock, and other produce to Thimphu, Phuentshogling, Haa, and Samtse,” said Chandraman Bhandari, the Duenchhukha Gup.
Apart from completing seven months before schedule, local workforce was employed for the works. The entire labour force comprised of Bhutanese nationals. Rigsar Construction Private Limited, the company executing the works, says these people are now skilled in drain and retaining wall construction and laying bitumen.
“In the past, I was engaged in small contract works locally. Now I can do road construction works. We can build side drains and causeway drains perfectly. I also have an idea about blacktopping. I didn’t practically do it, but I have seen how it is done. So, I will be able to do it,” said Chandra Lal Bhattarai, a worker.
The GC road, constructed at an initial cost of more than Nu 62 M, is due to be handed over to the gewog administration in a few days.
Sherub Dorji
