In just a month, the residents of Tareythang and Umling will have a permanent concrete bridge over the Panchfaly stream. Although the project is scheduled for completion in July, the contractors hope to finish it by next month. Once completed, the bridge will enable people to travel safely and reliably throughout the year, particularly during the monsoon, when the swollen stream often washes away the existing structure.
Panchfaly stream is located between Serzhong and Umling gewog.
In the past, the culvert and small causeway bridges built over the stream were washed away during the monsoon, cutting off the people of Tareythang and Umling from the rest of the district.
The Panchfaly stream dries up in winter and swells during the monsoon season.
A temporary road diversion over the same stream has been created to continue road access during bridge construction.
Now, with a larger and stronger bridge under construction, residents hope it will withstand the monsoon floods and keep the road open all year round.
“Earlier, small vehicles used to get damaged and even heavy vehicles often got stuck in the middle of the stream. We’ve been facing this issue for a long time. We hope that once the bridge is complete, these problems will finally be resolved,” said Kuenzang Chophyel, a resident of Umling Gewog.
“Once the bridge is completed, there will be no issues. We’ll be able to commute easily, and vehicles won’t face problems. Previously, we struggled to cross the stream, especially when travelling to Gelephu to buy vegetables,” said Pema Yangzom, a resident of Umling Gewog.
Ghaney Sham Adikhari, a resident of Tareythang Gewog said, “Last year, during medical emergencies, we struggled because vehicles couldn’t pass and we didn’t have access to excavators in time. If the bridge opens before the monsoon, we’ll be truly grateful and wish to thank the government.”
“With this new bridge, it’ll be easier to transport sick people. Earlier, we had to call a vehicle from the other side and then switch halfway, which was a hassle. Now, we can go directly to the hospital without any issues. This bridge will be a big relief,” said Man Badhur Rai, a resident of Tareythang Gewog.
The site engineer reports that they have completed nearly all major construction works, and around 95 per cent of the project is done.
“Fortunately, we did not face major disruptions. However, we did experience a three-month delay in winter due to late arrival of steel components. The bridge was planned for an 18-month timeline and is scheduled to finish by July this year, but we’re on track to complete it by mid-June,” said Ushal Gurung, the site engineer, Eight Builders Pvt. Ltd, Gelephu.
The construction of the bridge is being carried out at a cost of Nu 67.45 M. Work began in February last year and is scheduled for completion by July this year.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
