Poor road conditions continue to trouble many communities across the country. While some places enjoy smooth roads, others struggle daily with unsafe and damaged roads. In Phuentshothang Gewog’s Khamaedthang Chiwog in Samdrup Jongkhar, residents are calling for immediate action to repair their farm road. The road, which connects the chiwog to the gewog centre, schools and hospitals, has deteriorated badly, making travel both difficult and risky.
This six-kilometre farm road has become a daily struggle for its 85 residents. Large potholes filled with muddy water and uneven road surface make travel difficult and unsafe.
Commuters say the road has remained in this condition for over four years, causing inconvenience and posing safety risks, especially during the monsoon.
“We are struggling. If the road is blacktopped, it will be a big help for us. Right now, it is full of potholes and is damaging our vehicles. Normally, it is a five to ten-minute drive, but with the bad road, it takes us nearly an hour to reach the market. We are also facing problems visiting the hospital due to the bad road conditions,” said Krishna Gurung, a resident, Khamaedthang, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“It is very challenging with the bad road. We get a lower price for our areca nuts because buyers do not want to come here due to the poor road conditions. It has become very difficult,” said Lok Nath Dungana, another resident, Khamaedthang, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Some children go to school on foot. And with the road in this condition, it is very difficult to reach school on time, and also it is risky for them,” said Keshav Bhandari, also a resident, Khamaedthang, Samdrup Jongkhar.
The road is also important as it leads to a fuel depot along the way to Khamaedthang, making it a vital route for many people.
“Maybe because of the rainfall, the road condition has become very bad. We have to come here to refuel our vehicles, but it is so bumpy. What should take just a minute takes longer to reach. Smaller cars get damaged, and even for boleros, it is difficult,” said Govind Basnet, Resident, Phuentshogthang Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
Meanwhile, the Phuentshothang Gup said the road will soon be blacktopped with Nu 35 M funding under the High Impact community development Project. The contract has already been awarded.
“From past experiences, we usually provide a one-year duration for such works. But it depends on the situation in different places; some projects get completed within a year, while others take longer. I hope this can be completed within two to three months during winter,” said Jamyang Gyaltshen, Phuentshothang Gup, Samdrup Jongkhar.
With blacktopping set to begin soon, the community hopes for a smoother road that will make travel safer and easier for everyone.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sonam Pem
