Road connectivity is vital for fostering developmental activities and improving livelihoods. As such Gewog Center Roads across the country are supposed to be of good quality. However, the road condition at Dungna in Chhukha tells a different tale. Despite the farmers tirelessly pursuing agriculture given the favourable climate for crop cultivation, inadequate road infrastructure has hindered developmental efforts and livelihoods.
Dungna is situated about a hundred kilometres from Phuentshogling.
Although the road was blacktopped several years ago, its condition deteriorated over time.
Even the gewog administration is helpless about the situation without enough budget.
“People here depend on domestic and agricultural produce for their livelihood. Taking these products to the market has been a challenge. Doesn’t matter how hard people work, due to bad roads, we can hardly reach our produce to market,” said Lobzang, Dungna Gup.
“Road remains often blocked in summer. Also, the condition of the Gewog Centre road is very poor. Our vehicles are also getting damaged because of the bad condition of the road,” said Namkha, a resident.
“Individuals contesting the elections keep pledging to improve the Dungna GC road. The road is the primary factor for improvement and development of the community. No matter how much effort we put in, taking the end product to the market is very challenging. Transportation charges are high,” said Pemba, Dungna Mangmi.
“The condition of our road has become worse. However, the present government has pledged to improve our GC road so we are pinning all our hopes on the government now,” said Tshering Nidup, another resident.
People said that with the current road condition, it is challenging in times of medical and other emergencies.
As summer approaches, their worries are turning into nightmares as heavy monsoon rains frequently render the road inaccessible, aggravating transportation woes.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
Edited by Phub Gyem
