Local leaders and residents of Silambi Gewog in Monggar are not happy with the slow progress of the blacktopping works of the 64-kilometre GC road. The blacktopping work that began two years was supposed to complete in June this year.
The blacktopping of the Silambi GC road was awarded on a package system to two contractors. Of the 64 kilometres, only 28 kilometres have been blacktopped so far.
People claimed that the other contractor is yet to blacktop the remaining 36-kilometre stretch. The road stretches from Menchugang in Saling Gewog to Thambrang in Silambi Gewog.
“Maybe it is due to rain that the contractor was not able to resume the blacktopping work after completing the granular sub-base works. Completing the blacktopping work soon would not only benefit the people of Brogsa but also the residents of Silambi Gewog,” said Leki Tshering, a resident.
“The blacktopping works at Thangrong have already been handed over. The main concern is the remaining stretch that the other contractor delayed. On one hand, the pandemic delayed contract work. On the other hand, I think it was a lapse on the contractor’s side,” said Dorji Wangchuk, Silambi Gup.
Meanwhile, the contractor said border closure hindered the supply chain of raw materials and delayed the blacktopping works amid the pandemic. However, the contractor was given an extension till January next year.
And so far, he has completed about 67 per cent of the blacktopping work including laying GSB and drain construction.
The blacktopping work of the 64-kilometre road is being executed at the cost of Nu 239 M. With this, all 17 gewogs in Monggar will have blacktopped GC roads.
Sonam Tshering, Monggar
Edited by Sonam Pem
