It has been just about a year since the Nganglam-Panbang highway was resurfaced. But the road is already in need of repair work, with the blacktopping worn off in some stretches, especially between Norbugang and Tshelshingzor villages in Pema Gatshel. And this has worried travellers.
The Nganglam-Panbang highway is in bad condition. Residents say the blacktop has worn off and potholes have developed in some parts of the stretch.
Of the nine-kilometre road, only about three kilometres are in good condition today. The Department of Roads office in Nganglam had awarded the contract to blacktop and lay the base course only for the three-kilometre stretch as the condition was bad.
As for the remaining stretch, the contractor was asked to blacktop without laying the base course.
“The government provided the money for the blacktopping work, which was completed last year. But it is almost damaged now. So, it is a loss for the government as they have spent a huge amount,” said Sherab Tenzin, who lives in Rinchhenzor village under Norbugang Gewog.
“It is better to have a few kilometres of the road with good quality blacktop. But after spending a lot of money, the blacktop is thin and it doesn’t serve the purpose,” said Khandu, a resident of Norbugang village.
According to the Department of Roads office, the damage occurred because of the weak base and heavy traffic. The officials said the work is still under the liability period and the contractor will start the repair works soon. The contractor is expected to resurface the damaged portions with the laying of the base course.
The works to resurface the nine-kilometre work was completed in December last year spending more than 40 million Ngultrum.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
