The occurrence of a second roadblock at the same location in less than six months near Monggar town has infuriated travellers. The road has been closed for about a week now and people are diverted to a new route. But travellers are frustrated with the slow progress of the clearing works and the risky nature of the alternate route.
On Friday morning, a truck ferrying logs toppled over while trying to give way to another vehicle on the narrow road. It was on its way from Bumthang towards one of the eastern districts.
“As there is roadblock along the highway, I had to use the alternative route via the workshop area,” said Sonam Dhendup. “But since the new road isn’t completed yet, it is not very convenient. There were also cars being repaired on the roadside.”
The road at Trailing was closed down about a week ago after a retention wall below the road collapsed causing a portion of the highway to erode.
People say it is risky driving along the alternate road especially for the heavy vehicles.
“The alternative route is too narrow and has sharp turning points and is steep, it is not really convenient for heavy vehicles. There are high chances of vehicles toppling over,” said another trucker, Sangay Thinley.
Meanwhile, Sonam says if the roadblock is cleared and the highway reopened faster, it will avoid a lot of accidents. “It is high time that the maintenance works are completed but we don’t see anyone working at the site,” he added.
The retention wall at the same site collapsed during the summer. It was reconstructed by a private construction company and the road reopened within a week. People are now questioning the quality of the works that was done and the accountability of the officials for allowing such lapses.
Meanwhile, the private company said they are planning to reconstruct the retention wall as soon as they get approval from the Dzongkhag office.
BBS tried to get in touch with the Monggar Dzongkhag officials for comment but they were not available.
Sonam Tshering, Monggar
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
