The issue surrounding Gewog Centre Road is one of the topics being discussed repeatedly in most of the Dzongkhag Tshogdu. In Tsirang, in order to ensure proper maintenance of the GC roads, the local leaders are now requesting the concerned agencies to relook into the boundaries of the Gewog Centre road. Local leaders said a lack of proper boundaries affects major maintenance works.
To reach the Sergithang Gewog office, people have to travel via Tsirang Toed Gewog Centre road. The 11-kilometre Sergithang Gewog Centre road which starts from the Tsirang Toed Gewog office runs through the villages of Tsirang Toed Gewog.
This, the Gup said is causing inconveniences while carrying out major maintenance.
“Only about three-kilometre of the Sergithang Gewog Centre road falls under the Sergithang Gewog. We are maintaining about eleven-kilometre road. We face inconveniences as we have to seek approval from other Gewog and carry out the maintenance work,” said Phub Dorji, the Sergithang Gup.
During the Dzongkhag Tshogdu, other local leaders also said there should be a clear boundary for the Gewog Centre roads. Moreover, they said the maintenance budget which is Nu 30,000 is not enough.
“When we carry out maintenance work, villagers are reluctant to work as the road is not within the Gewog’s jurisdiction,” said Garja Man Rai, Tsirang Toed Mangmi.
The Chief District Engineer said gewogs should be responsible for maintaining the GC roads even if the roads fall beyond their jurisdiction.
“Mainly, it is the boundary. So, we need to understand the meaning of GC road. Once the road crosses the Gewog Office, it is the responsibility of the other gewog to maintain the road,” said Kintu, the chief district engineer.
Today, most Gewog Centre roads in Tsirang are in bad shape requiring constant maintenance. There are twelve gewogs in the district.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Tshering Zam
