People of Zhemgang have become frustrated over the condition of the Tingtibi-Gongphu Highway. Around six kilometres of the road blacktopped in February has already started to deteriorate. People are questioning the quality of the works carried out.
Kinley Gyeltshen, 28, was left stranded in the middle of the road after his vehicle broke down due to the harsh road conditions. He said it hasn’t been very long since it got blacktopped, but it is already full of holes.
The stretch of road from Soobdrang to Gongphu has become filled with potholes as it was before it got blacktopped. People say it is hard to believe the road got blacktopped.
Tshewang Rinzin from Panbang said they are not very sure if the works were done properly but what is certain is the road has become damaged again.
“All the blacktopping have started to peel off. I think the layer of blacktopping was very thin. I feel the engineer and the contractor should be held accountable for this” said Dorji Wangchuk from Phangkhar.
People are also upset over the worsening condition of the remaining highway which is yet to be blacktopped.
Meanwhile, the office of the Department of Roads in Tingtibi said there has been no compromise regarding the quality of works.
A team of officials recently visited the site and found that the damages had occurred at places where the soil is marshy. The continuous rainfall had also added to the problem.
According to the Chief Engineer, there is at least a year before the project period is over within which the contractor has to carry out all repairs. The contractor has also agreed to repair the damages immediately.
He added the blacktopping of the rest of the highway will be carried out in the next financial year.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
