Located right next to the capital city, residents of Debsi in Chang Gewog are calling for major maintenance. The drains are overflowing, clogged with waste and the roads are riddled with potholes. Moreover, a single lane bridge is increasingly unsafe as traffic grows.
Heavy rain makes the situation worse.
There are instances where water from the blocked drains entered a few houses.
Jambay, a resident said “It rained unusually that day. The water that comes from the drain was blocked here and this led to flooding towards my house and the bridge. The road was also filled with overflow water.”
Chen Chen Dorji, another resident said “Apart from the household wastes, those who construct houses here carelessly dump the empty cement bags in the drains. That blocks the drain and poses risk for those living at the lower area.”
And the overflowing water has created numerous potholes along the road.
Moreover, people raised concerns about sanitation and safety as the construction and household wastes are disposed along the riverside.
Similarly, with the waste collection vehicle visiting once a week to collect both wet and dry wastes, residents are urging at least twice for proper segregation.
Chen Chen Dorji, a resident said “Initially, a separate waste collector for wet and dry wastes used to come. After some time, both wastes are collected together. That too does not come regularly.”
Mira Tamang, a shopkeeper said “We pay Nu 200 monthly. However, the waste collection vehicle comes only once a week. It will be convenient if it comes twice a week because we need to throw dry and wet waste separately.”
Additionally, the bridge, which is almost two decades old, is in poor condition, raising safety concerns.
B.B. Gurung, a commuter said “When there is rush from both sides, it is very scary at this bridge. It is really narrow. Instead of maintaining this existing bridge, it would be nice to have a two-lane bridge.”
Jamyang Tsheltrim, another commuter said “It is inconvenient during morning and evening hours when students walk on this bridge. Due to its narrowness, it is risky during rush hours. It would be really convenient if we had a wider bridge.”
According to Chang Gup, Nu 6.5 M will be spent to clear and level the drains and works are expected to commence soon.
However, there is nothing concrete regarding the maintenance of the road.
In the meantime, the Gewog administration said the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has conducted a survey for a new bridge.
Home to more than 3,000 residents, Debsi is waiting for these repairs to start before there is more flooding and damage.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Tshering Zam
