With the onset of the monsoon, pending works on open drains in Samdrup Jongkhar town is posing a threat to the people. Some people have sustained injures by falling into open drains during rainfall.
The Samdrup Jongkhar thromde has dug up pits in front of shops in the lower market and left the drains uncovered for more than two months.
People say the drains are endangering the lives of both pedestrians and motorists.
Kencho Wangmo, a resident said: “When it rains, water fills up all the drains and it becomes inconvenient for us to visit shops. There are chances we might fall. A child fell into the drains and he even had to get stitches. There are incidences like that. We would be grateful if they could complete the works at the earliest.”
Shopkeepers have laid planks over the drains so that the customers can visit their shops.
“I know they are also trying their best. We are also trying to make it work for us. But it is causing lots of inconveniences. Since the drains are open, there is a foul smell coming from the drains.” said Nima Tshomo, a shopkeeper.
According to the contractor, they could not continue the works after the pandemic led to a shortage of labourers. Since Samdrup Jongkhar is a high-risk area, contractors say Bhutanese labourers refuse to work there.
The construction works are due for completion in December.
Thromde officials say the current drainage system in the town is small. The office is upgrading the drainage system.
Nima Dorji, a Chief Engineer with the Thromde said, “Construction work is in the core town area and during lockdowns, it is not possible to work. Since the town is a red zone, we cannot carry out the works in self-containment mode also.”
The works are expected to resume once the COVID-19 situation improves in the district.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
