The approach road connecting Tsimasham town with the Phuentshogling-Thimphu highway is in dire need of maintenance. Over the years, the condition of the four-kilometre road has deteriorated. It is now riddled with potholes and the blacktop has worn off. But maintenance works are expected to be carried out as the Chhukha Hydro Power Corporation (CHPC) will hand over the road to the Chhukha district administration in July this year.
Previously, the approach road was only used by Chhukha project officials. But with the construction of the Chhukha-Damchu bypass, it is now mainly used by the residents of Tsimasham town, a few nearby Gewogs, as well as district administration and court officials.
The Chhukha Hydro Power Corporation constructed the road a few decades ago. Despite some maintenance work carried out by the Chhukha Hydro Power Corporation a few years ago, the road’s condition continued to worsen over time.
“The road has become crucial for us since the opening of the bypass. The approach road is used by people from Chapchha Gewog, Lobnyekha, and Bunakha and also by parents and students of Chhukha school. It is in very bad condition now,” said Damchoe, a resident.
“During summer, the road condition becomes so bad that hardly anyone can drive. When there are roadblocks along the highway, vehicles are diverted this way. With the number of vehicles using the road increasing, it is getting damaged further. Earlier, the CHPC used to maintain the road, but after they moved their office, no one carried out the maintenance,” said Lhakpa Tshering, a driver.
“The road is filled with potholes. We don’t know why it is not being maintained. It is risky especially when the vehicles are loaded. Due to the condition of the road, our vehicles are also getting damaged,” said Passang, another resident.
According to officials from the district administration, they once wanted to take over the road but it was not possible due to several reasons. One of the reasons the officials cited was that the road was then managed by the Chhukha Hydro Power Corporation and the administration also could not carry out maintenance works.
However, people can look forward to smoother rides as the district administration will officially take over the road this July and the blacktopping of the road is already included in their plans.
Kinley Dem
