Despite undergoing several rounds of maintenance, the Pemaling Gewog Centre (GC) Road in Samtse remains in a deteriorated state. This is posing significant challenges for the 300-plus households in Norgyeling and Chhusilgang Chiwogs who depend on it for daily needs and emergency access.
The road, which is over 4 kilometers long was maintained only a few years ago. However, it is already showing severe signs of wear and tear. The entire stretch’s blacktop and cement layers have eroded, creating numerous large potholes. While small vehicles can still navigate the road, they do so with great caution and difficulty, complicating life for the residents who rely on it.
Amar Singh Ghalley, a resident of Pemaling Gewog said, “It would be better if we had a good road in our village. Today, most vehicle owners, especially those who drive small cars, refuse to visit our villages because the road’s poor condition damages their cars. This makes it difficult for us to get vehicles in times of need. Although the road has undergone several maintenance efforts, we have yet to see any real benefits.”
Similarly, Kumar Dhakal, another local resident said, “Small cars can travel on the road, but it is risky. Nowadays, I mostly see heavy vehicles using this road. Even my friends with small cars avoid coming here thinking the road would damage their cars.”
“The road seems to get easily damaged despite the maintenance. It’s a nightmare for small vehicles travelling on this road. This road also leads us to our Primary Health Centre, making it very difficult to find a car in times of emergency. The road needs to be restored. Walls and proper drainage system have to be built to minimise the damage caused by the monsoon,” said Mani Kumar Kami, who also lives in Pemaling Gewog.
The Pemaling Gewog Administration cited the high gradient of the road as a major reason for its rapid deterioration despite maintenance efforts. The gewog explained that the road was constructed on a steep slope because some villagers along the route initially refused to give their land for the project.
Moreover, recent delays in further maintenance were due to the laying of GSB on two farm roads within the chiwogs. Heavy vehicles constantly using the road during this project made it impractical to carry out repairs at that time. However, now that these projects are complete, the gewog plans to resume maintenance work on the road soon.
Built in 2006 with a budget of 900,000 ngultrum, the Pemaling GC Road has long been a crucial lifeline for the community.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Kipchu
