The COVID pandemic situation has delayed many construction activities across the country. One such project is the construction of a 600-meter-long flood protection wall along the Lekpagangchhu stream in Lhuentse. The project was supposed to be complete in January this year but is now overdue by more than seven months.
The flood protection wall is located a few metres from Lhuentse town. Works began in mid of 2020, but are still ongoing today.
The flood protection wall is intended to provide safety to the residents of Nakeythang which has experienced several flash floods in the past.
In 2019, a flash flood caused by the swollen stream damaged an ECCD centre and some houses located near the stream.
“Due to the pandemic, the transportation of steel bars got delayed as it had to be transported from Phuentshogling which was then identified as a high-risk area. Secondly, the contractor could also not transport cement on time due to the lockdowns,” said Lhuentse Dzongrab Wangchen Norbu.
He said the deadline has been extended and the contractor has to finish the works by December.
Reinforced cement concrete walls are being constructed using steel bars and cement which is more durable and effective than other walls.
Nakeythang is home to around 50 people and also has a religious institution and an ECCD centre.
The district administration allocated Nu 32 M for the construction work.
Sonam Tshering, Lhuentse
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
