It has not even been two years since the resurfacing of the Shenga-Bjemi Gewog Centre road in Punakha was completed. The road is already riddled with potholes which is affecting the commuters. Local leaders attribute the deteriorating road condition to irrigation water constantly spilling over the road and causing the damage.
This Shenga-Bjemi GC road benefits the people of both Shenga-Bjemi and Dzomi Gewogs.
In recent months, the road developed several potholes and cracks. Some drains along the road are also filled with sand and soil.
The government completed paving the road last year after spending around Nu 18.7 M.
Dzomi Gup, Dawa Tashi said, “The road started developing potholes and cracks shortly after it was paved. We don’t know if it is even possible for the government to carry out maintenance soon after the road is paved. I am worried if we can get the budget. It is concerning for both local leaders and the people.”
Local leaders say the road damages are mostly caused by irrigation water spilling over the road. They say the road stretch falls below the paddy fields.
“The excess irrigation water is all over the road. And when it rains, it becomes worse. The blacktop is often damaged by water,” said Samten Phuntsho, Shenga-Bjemi Gup.
“Sometimes, the heavy vehicles damage water pipes along the road. It takes time to repair the water pipes, and by then, water flows on the road. We have been requesting the farmers to take care of the irrigation water,” added the Dzomi Gup.
Some local residents say taking care of the road is a shared responsibility among the people and the government.
Namgay Gyeltshen said, “the government has spent a lot of on this road. It is not just their responsibility to take care of the road. We should equally be responsible. Whenever I see water on the road, I try to drain the water out.”
According to the Dzomi and Shenga-Bjemi Gewog offices, they do not have a separate budget allocated for road repair and maintenance. However, they are discussing to propose a budget to the government.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Sangay Chezom
