After years of bumpy, muddy rides, people of three chiwogs in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Samrang Gewog are enjoying a smooth and comfortable ride. The once rough and muddy chiwog road is now blacktopped, bringing not just ease of movement, but also new hopes for better livelihoods.
With the improved road, villagers of Ngangtshothang Toed, Ngangtshothang Mead and Damsagang Mead chiwogs say they can now transport their farm produce, especially areca nuts and livestock products more efficiently and without difficulties they once faced.
Villagers say the blacktopped road has also made it more convenient to access essential services such as school and health centres.
In the past, students and residents had to walk through muddy and slippery paths, especially during the monsoon.
Deepa Maya Sunwar, a villager said, “It has become very convenient now. Earlier, vehicle owners refused to come here as the road was in poor condition. But now they agree to come as the road is improved and connected to our homes. I have a farm where I need to bring animal feed. Previously, vehicles would get stuck in mud.”
Januka Sunar, another villager said, “Earlier, it was not convenient as the road was in poor condition. But now, with the improved road, vehicle owners agree to come here whenever we need to transport goods. Otherwise, we had to carry them ourselves.”
Likewise, Suraj Gurung said, “With the road now blacktopped, life here has become much easier. Earlier, it was difficult to get vehicles as the road was in poor condition. Now vehicles can easily reach every household.”
The road, about two kilometres long, was blacktopped at a cost of Nu 8.6 M.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Kipchu
