People of Shenga Bjemi Gewog in Punakha can finally enjoy a peaceful ride. The resurfacing and blacktopping works of the eight-kilometre Gewog Centre road were completed recently. Constructed in the early 90s, the road was last blacktopped in 2016.
The road condition worsened over the years due to the increasing number of vehicles and improper drainage systems. The bad road condition was a burden on the people. But not anymore.
“We had to a huge cost on vehicle maintenance due to the bad road condition. But after the blacktopping, it has benefited a lot of our people, especially those who do not have their vehicles. They can travel in other’s vehicles paying a reasonable fare. Moreover, there are no worries about getting a taxi from the town now,” said Khubji-Tshosa Tshogpa, Pasang Dorji.
“We can now take patients who need immediate attention from our health centre to the hospital. The blacktopped road can help save the lives of people here. Otherwise, in the past, there was a risk of people taking their last breath on the way before reaching the hospital,” said Chongzhi-Jarigang-Jazhikha Tshogpa, Mindu Dorji.
“We used to take around an hour to reach Mendagang due to poor road conditions earlier. But today, we can reach within ten to fifteen minutes. Likewise, I can see the blacktop quality better this time,” said Shenga Bjemi Mangmi, Pemba.
The eight-kilometre stretch was blacktopped at a cost of more than Nu 18 M. It is expected to benefit more than 200 households in the Gewog.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sonam Pem
