After years of waiting, Peltari Chiwog in Punakha’s Kabisa Gewog is finally getting its farm road blacktopped. Residents had long requested the upgrade due to the road’s deteriorating condition. Now, with the blacktopping work set to begin, the community is optimistic about the benefits it will bring.
The blacktopping work has been awarded to a private construction company.
From yesterday, the drain construction has begun.
It is a six-month project that was scheduled to start in March this year.
Chhimi, a resident said, “We are happy that all the workers have arrived at the site to start the blacktopping work. So far, due to the poor condition of our road, even taxis refused to come here despite charging exorbitant fares. However, now, I am sure that we won’t face such problems anymore. We will be able to get taxis easily whenever we need them.”
Sangay, another resident said, “We heard that the government is going to blacktop our road, and we are happy. Currently, we are spending at least five to six thousand ngultrum per month on vehicle maintenance. But after blacktopping the road, I am sure my car will last another five to six years. Otherwise, if the road does not get blacktop, my car may not even last a year.”
Besides benefitting around 45 households in the chiwog, the road will benefit some of the households of Sirigang-Wakoo Damchhi Chiwog as well.
Tshering Wangchuk from Sirigang_Wakoo Damchhi said, “I am sure even our power tiller will be able to carry more loads once the road gets blacktopped. Likewise, the risk of accidents will be reduced as well. It will also help to shorten the travel time.”
Tashi Dorji from Sirigang_Wakoo Damchhi said, “The road condition has deteriorated. Our vehicles get stuck when it rains because the road becomes muddy. However, if the road is blacktopped, we will not have to face such problems. We will be able to travel smoothly.”
Likewise, Tshering Wangdi said, “It is difficult to carry even goods as the road condition is poor. But if the road becomes smooth and blacktopped, it will be convenient. So, we are happy to hear that the road is going to be blacktopped. This will benefit not just me, but the entire community.”
The blacktopping work is being implemented in two phases. The first phase will cover half of the road stretch with a budget of Nu 15.3 M, funded by the Government of India.
An official from the gewog administration says the second phase will be continued after the completion of the first phase.
For a community that has long waited for this change, the road promises not just smoother journeys, but a smoother path to improved livelihoods.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Tshering Zam
