A new footpath in Maedgang village in Samtse was supposed to bring relief to residents, especially young children, during the monsoon. However, just as the project neared completion, a portion of the concrete footpath had to be dismantled after it was found to be constructed on private land without approval.
The Norbugang Gewog administration initiated the construction of a 1.3-kilometre concrete footpath in December.
The project was worth about Nu 1.3 M.
The footpath, once completed, will benefit not just the 78 households of Maedgang but also those in Dramzegang and Norbugang villages.
Budhi Lachi Rai, a resident said “This footpath will be very helpful, especially in the monsoon. Our children used to struggle through the mud just to get to school.”
Kinzang Dorji, another resident said “Before, our children had to walk through thick mud every summer. But now, thanks to this project, we will have a proper walkway. We are truly grateful.”
Likewise, Sariphul Telly said “Our children used to arrive at school with their shoes and socks soaked in mud. That will no longer be a problem.”
But just as things were falling into place, an unexpected hurdle disrupted progress.
Around a 340-metre section had to be dismantled as it was constructed on private land without the owner’s approval.
The gewog administration explained that they initially believed the land belonged to a local resident who would not object to the construction as the project was for the community.
However, the owner lives outside Samtse. A few months ago, the landowner visited the village and noticed the concrete footpath being constructed passing through his land.
He then lodged a complaint to the district administration, who then passed on the directives to the Gewog. The Gewog was asked to demolish the concrete stretch, halt the construction and restore the land to its original state and bear the cost incurred for the construction.
The district administration found that 5.3 decimals of his land have been affected by the footpath, and the Gewog administration failed to seek clearance.
Meanwhile, the footpath passes through land belonging to seven other landowners, who had given their approval.
For now, the gewog administration has conducted a new survey and is working on an alternative route.
However, the Gewog has yet to get approval from the landowner whose land falls on the alternative route.
In the meantime, the gewog has decided to mobilize construction materials such as cement and sand, while villagers will contribute their labour for at least a day to speed up the work.
Despite the setback, works are expected to be complete by next month.
The district administration reminded all the Gewogs to seek clearance from affected landowners and validate it with the Survey and Land Sector before the execution of such activity.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Tshering Zam
