Despite their names suggesting happiness and peace, residents of Gawadug and Kipadug villages in Samtse Gewog find no peace and happiness during monsoons. Without a bridge over Sukraty River, these villages remain cut off from the rest of the district. Besides, villagers often risk their lives to cross the swollen river during rainy days.
The Sukraty river looks dry and calm today. However, come monsoon, the river swells, posing a threat to over 35 households of Gawadug and Kipadug villages.
The swollen river makes it more difficult for the students. Students have to cross the river.
They arrive at school either late, or drenched by the river. Sometimes, they miss their classes.
“During light rainfall, we assist our children in crossing the river by holding hands. However, during heavy downpours when the river swells, it becomes impossible for us to cross. Then, our children end up missing their classes. If there is heavy rain when they return from school, we are forced to keep our children at someone else’s place until the weather improves,” said Shyam Kumar Pradhan, a resident of Gawadug.
“It is almost a decade now that we have been struggling without a bridge. Many times, people are struggling, especially school-going children. We would be grateful if a bridge is constructed,” said Narad Sharma, a resident of Gawadug.
“Life becomes extremely challenging without a dependable bridge here. We encounter numerous difficulties, especially during health emergencies, as we lack reliable access to healthcare facilities. A permanent bridge would greatly improve our situation, as temporary bridges often get washed away easily during the summer season,” said Radha Chettri, a resident of Gawadug.
The villagers and the local administration worked together to build a temporary wooden bridge, last year.
However, just 15 days later, the bridge was swept away by the river.
The Samtse Gewog Administration has reassured residents that they are working on plans to build a permanent bridge over the Sukraty River in the first year of the 13th Five-Year Plan.
Until then, the gewog administration plans to build another temporary wooden bridge over the river.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Sangay Chezom
