Lauri Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar, one of the most remote gewogs in the country, was first connected with a road in 2015. Since then, most villages and chiwogs in the gewog have been linked with farm roads. However, today, these farm roads have deteriorated, posing safety risks and affecting livelihoods.
The road to Gawailing village is a bumpy ride. Likewise, the road to Rolnang, Wungthi and Sezor villages lacks proper walls and drains. With uneven surfaces, even four-wheel-drive vehicles like boleros struggle to ply these routes.
Poor road conditions are making it hard for villagers to transport agricultural produce and access health services.
“We have requested the gewog to maintain the road, but it remains in poor condition, making travel inconvenient. We do not understand why it is not repaired. It would be a relief if maintenance is carried out,” said Lobzang, a resident of Rolnang village in Lauri Gewog.
“During the rains, the road often gets blocked by a landslide. There is a need for proper drainage and walls in landslide-prone areas,” said Jitshen Wangmo, a resident of Gawailing in Lauri Gewog.
According to Lauri Gup Jigme Tshewang, the gewog administration is prioritising maintenance of chiwog roads. Currently, works are underway to lay concrete along the Momring-Rolnang chiwog road with plans to blacktop Gonong-Zangthig chiwog road soon.
“Out of five chiwogs, roads in four chiwogs are laid with base course. Currently, the chiwog road of Momring-Rolnang is being laid with concrete mix. Roads connecting the villages are pliable even during rainy season. We are planning to maintain other farm roads connecting villagers,” added the gup.
Maintaining these farm roads is crucial for daily commuting for the 545 households and about 4,000 residents of Lauri Gewog.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Phub Gyem
