The construction of the internal road for Tungkutenpa, Panbang’s new township area has been delayed by over a year. The road that was supposed to be completed by 2022 is only been laid with the base course as of now. Works have now come to a halt before completion. This has left the residents of Tungkutenpa confused and disappointed.
Some of the residents of Tungkutenpa have given their paddy fields to construct the internal road of the new township. The residents expected economic benefits once the road becomes fully completed.
However, after the one-kilometre road was laid with the base course about a year ago, there has been no progress. The residents say no information is available regarding the project or the contractor involved.
“We do not know who is at fault, the contractor or the officials. Nobody seems concerned about it and the project has been abandoned now. We do not know who should be held accountable for such lapses. The project was supposed to be completed with a blacktopped road. Road construction materials were kept in Panbang for quite some time and were later taken to Zhemgang. We have no clue when they are resuming the project,” said Bumpa, a resident.
Tashi Gyelmo, a resident said, “I do not know what happened to the project. I have given my paddy field for the construction of the road. I don’t know what is happening. Vehicles still use the same old road. It would be better if heavy vehicles use the new road. The contractor left the works incomplete.”
“Our people have given their private lands for the construction of the road, thinking that the whole community would be benefited. But it has turned out to be a failure and we are disappointed,” said Yeshi Wangchuk, a resident.
The Panbang Dungkhag Administration said they had to terminate the contract after failing to complete the works on time. The Dungkhag Office took the contractor to the district court following which the contractor was asked to restitute NU 2 M by the end of 2023.
The Dungkhag Office said the project would now be included in the 13th Five-Year Plan.
The Pangbang Dungkhag office after conducting a survey in 2019, started the construction of the road in 2021 as a part of the expansion of the existing Pangbang town.
There are about 20 residents in Tungkutenpa, all looking forward to the completion of the road and the establishment of a new township soon.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
