Lull village in Kazhi Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang has had a farm road since a few years ago but it takes more than an hour to reach the nearest town, Bajo. The villagers want the village to be connected with the farm road of Radzawog village of Nyisho Gewog. Through Radzawog farm road they can reach the east-west highway and Nobding town within an hour.
Although the village has only five households, farmers produce varieties of organic farm products. But to sell the products, they have to go to Bajo, which is located about 50 kilometres away.
However, if their village has a road connected to Radzawog farm road, the travel time will be reduced to less than 10 kilometres. And farmers can sell their farm produce at Nobding town and along the east-west highway.
“We don’t have to take the long route if the road is connected with Radzawog village. Moreover, not many vehicles travel on that long route,” said Kinley Bidha, a farmer.
“If our village is connected with Radzawog farm road, it would benefit us and those travelling along the east-west highway. Moreover, agriculture products will be easier,” said Pemba, another farmer.
Moreover, villagers said that if the road is constructed, it can serve as an alternate route when the road between Khelekha and Chhuzomsa gets blocked.
The Lengbi Tshogpa plans to propose the construction of the road in the Gewog Tshogde.
“I am planning to request the concerned officials to conduct the survey on feasibility and cost estimation even if there is no budget this time. So, we hope to propose it in the 13th Five Year Plan,” said Phub Dorji, Lengbi Tshogpa.
Meanwhile, the Tshogpa of Goensar-Radzawog Chiwog in Nyishog Gewog also said they have no objection to the proposal for the construction of a road between the villages.
Until the road is constructed as proposed, the villagers of Lull have no other option but to travel to Bajo to sell their produce.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Tshering Zam