Residents of Sarpang Tar are eagerly waiting for the maintenance works of the internal road to complete. They said the work which got delayed by more than years is never-ending. The maintenance includes widening and blacktopping, and the construction of a drainage system.
The works on the 3.5-kilometre internal road network started in 2019 and were supposed to be complete by last year. The contractor missed two deadlines.
And it is ultimately the residents who are facing inconveniences.
“We are not clear about the contract work. A contractor carried out the project and maybe he has subcontracted the works. That’s why, I think, the works are getting delayed,” said Dorji Dukpa, a resident.
“With the work getting delayed, it is inconvenient for us,” said Rup Man Rai, a driver.
“It has been many years since the works started. But it is still not completed. I am not sure whether the works are awarded to another contractor or not. As taxi drivers, we are facing difficulty while travelling along this stretch,” said Kado, a taxi driver.
For now, the widening works are completed and the construction of the drain along the road is almost ready. However, the contractor has yet to start the blacktopping works.
According to the contractor, he could not complete the work on time due to prolonged lockdowns in Sarpang in the last two years. He added that he faced a labour shortage amid the pandemic.
However, he is hopeful of completing the work within May next year.
Indian Government is supporting the project spending over Nu 16 M.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tshering Zam
