Lauri Gewog centre road in Samdrup Jongkhar is the last GC road to be blacktopped in the district. However, the residents of Lauri Gewog have to wait for some time before they can enjoy a smooth ride on the improved road. The blacktopping works were supposed to end by April this year but it has been delayed due to the pandemic and the monsoon.
Today, only about 50 per cent of the work is complete. The completed works include laying Granular Sub-base and construction of drains along most parts of the road.
The blacktopping work of the 36-kilometre road is now expected to be complete by December. This is the second deadline extension. Two contractors have been carrying out the works since 2020.
According to the Jomotshangkha Dungkhag administration, this time, the deadline was extended as the contractors cannot blacktop the road during the monsoon.
Meanwhile, the residents want the contractors to expedite the work.
“If the road is blacktopped, the travel time will be reduced. Moreover, we don’t have to spend much on maintenance and fuel,” said Dendup Tashi, a resident.
“We would be grateful if the blacktopping work is completed at the earliest,” said Cheki Dorji, another resident.
Once complete, the road will benefit some 500 families of Lauri Gewog and some parts of Serthig Gewog. The works are being carried out with a budget of over Nu 100 M.
The road was constructed in 2015 and connects the Gewog with Jomotshangkha Dungkhag via Serthig.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
