The absence of a bridge at Chuktilum in Chhukha has been a major concern for the people of Dungna and Maedtekha Gewogs. The bailey bridge over the stream was washed away about a decade ago and since then, crossing the stream in summer has become a nightmare for the people of these gewogs.
This stream in Chuktilum remains calm and small until the monsoon starts.
The stream swells during the rainy season making it impossible for vehicles and people to cross.
So, the residents of Dungna and Maedtekha Gewogs often remain cut off during monsoon without a bridge over the stream.
There are about 300 households in the two gewogs.
People said that without a bridge, they are not able to transport their farm produce to market during summer. This, they said is affecting their livelihoods.
The gewog administration has been trying to address the issue but could not resolve it.
“In summer, as the stream at Chuktilum swells because of rains, we get stranded for days, unable to cross the stream. We have raised the issue in the Gewog Tshogde and the Dzongkhag Tshogdu several times but nothing has been done,” said Pemba, Dungna Mangmi.
“We have been facing problems. It is difficult for patients, officials and people doing business to travel. People got stranded in the past and there are risks hereafter as well,” said Lobzang, Dungna Gup.
“We cannot cross the Chuktilum in summer. The stream swells up whenever it rains. It would be of great help if the government could construct a bridge there,” said Namkha, a resident.
With the monsoon fast approaching, the residents pin their hopes on the government to reconstruct the bridge at the earliest possible.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
Edited by Tshering Zam
