At a time when many contractors are blaming the COVID-19 pandemic for several delayed projects, a few have managed to be a step ahead and complete their projects on time. One such example is the construction of the Dhamdum bridge in Samtse which began two years ago. With 94 per cent of the construction works completed as of today, the project is not only progressing well but is also expected to be completed six months ahead of schedule.
Despite the pandemic, the new 170-meter long Dhamdum bridge between Samtse town and Majathang is gradually taking shape with most of the works completed today.
What remains of the works, for now, is only some final touch-ups except for the construction of the final deck of the bridge. A private construction company has been carrying out the project worth over Nu 140 M since 2020.
“As per our plans and target, we were supposed to complete about 62 per cent of the work by this time. However, we are ahead of the deadline,” said Karma Tenzin, Project Engineer of Rigsar Construction Private Limited.
He added the works are now expected to be complete by August or September, six months before the scheduled deadline of March 2023.
“Despite commencing the works in times of pandemic, we have worked a lot under self-containment mode during the various lockdowns. Moreover, given the COVID situation, we had stocked all raw materials in advance. This helped us in the progress of the work,” added Karma Tenzin.
With almost 70 per cent of the work carried out by the local labourers, he said that the unavailability of labourers was never an issue. However, he added, with the improvement of the COVID situation in the country, the project has recently recruited a few foreign workers.
The construction of a new 280-meter-long bridge over the Diana river along the Samtse-Sibsoo Secondary National Highway in Norboogang Gewog which is being carried out by the same construction company is also ahead of the schedule for now.
About 37 per cent of the work is complete as of today. The construction works which began in September last year are scheduled to be complete by 2024.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Phub Gyem
