The residents of Dotey Gewog in Paro are asking for the widening and improvement of their gewog centre road. The six-kilometre stretch between Damji Zampa to Phusar Chiwog is quite narrow. Concerns have been raised amid growing vehicular traffic over the years. Maintenance work is currently underway but residents want the road widened as an effective solution.
The road remains very busy when the schools are open and during tourist arrivals.
The road meant for the people of Dotey Gewog also caters to the residents of Kempa-Kuduphu Chiwog of Dopshari Gewog.
It was initially built in the 1980s. Once serving as a farm road, the road is today considered one of the busiest roads in Paro. It is used by hundreds of households, a college and two schools. Several cottage and small industries, pilgrimage sites, and farmhouses are also located along the way.
“Those who are aware of the condition of the road and experienced drivers do not face much problem, because they wait or give way in wider areas. But for individuals who are new to driving and those who are not aware of the road’s size wouldn’t bother waiting. This causes a lot of trouble. People even quarrel. The road is very narrow, it cannot fit two light vehicles in some stretches, let alone heavy vehicles. If the government could look into expanding the road, it would benefit us all,” said Sangay, a resident of Dotey Gewog.
“The road is narrow and when two cars meet, it is not safe either. However, I am skeptical if the road can be widened because the road was initially constructed by a Japanese project by raising the level of the road. However, there are possibilities of widening the road to accommodate two cars,” said Chenga Tshering, a resident.
“It would be beneficial for all the motorists using this road if it is widened. The number of vehicles is always on the rise and when the college opens, the road will become jammed. It will take us more than an hour to reach the highway,” said Tshering, another resident.
Gewog officials acknowledged the inconvenience and stated that they have been working to get a budget for the widening works.
“We have discussed it in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu which is the highest decision-making body in the local government. We have also got the green light from district administration as the Dzongda verbally acknowledged that the road is narrow and must get an expansion. We know the project is not easy so we have to have proper planning. So we are looking at it for now,” said Chimi Dorji, Dotey Gup.
He added that he is hopeful that the government would support the gewog administration’s plans to widen the road.
“Before the elections, the candidates studied the situation and people’s inconveniences. They also pledged to widen it. They have also visited the area and acknowledged the condition of the road. Therefore, I am sure it will be widened,” added the Gup.
The Dotey Gewog Administration is currently carrying out maintenance works with a budget of Nu 2.6 M. The Dopshari Gewog Administration also committed to bear a portion of the maintenance cost.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Kipchu
