About 70 households in Uesu Gewog of Haa can now look forward to smoother travel and better access to markets. The completion of blacktopping works on their farm road has brought relief to residents who depend on cash crops and livestock farming.
An eight-and-a-half-kilometre farm road branches off from the national highway and leads towards Chhuzokha in Samar Gewog.
Previously, the uneven road made travel difficult, limiting vehicle access and restricting the transport of farm produce and essential services.
With the road recently blacktopped, it has improved connectivity for communities in Geyrina, Pajeykha, Sangkiri, Bjebphakha and Chhuzokha.
It now allows safer and smoother movement for all vehicles.
The road is also expected to benefit hundreds of devotees and visitors from other districts who travel annually to the Chhuzokha Lhakhang.
“The blacktopping has benefited farmers as well as everyone who travels to Chhuzokha Lhakhang. Many of us visit the lhakhang every winter, and this road will help us greatly,” said Tshewang Rinzin, the chairperson of the Farm Road User Group in Uesu Gewog.
Tshering Wangdi, a commuter added, “It was very difficult to travel on this road when it rained. Small cars could not use it, and only pick-up vehicles like Boleros could pass through. The improved road now benefits both villagers and those who visit the lhakhang.”
Gewog officials say the improved road access has made it easier to transport agricultural produce and reach markets.
Uesu Gup Tenzin Jamba said, “The government provided the required budget, allowing us to complete road works in Uesu Gewog. The roads were uneven and difficult to travel, so we allocated the entire HICDP budget this year to make them more accessible.”
The project was completed at a cost of nearly 14 million ngultrum, funded through the High Impact Community Development Project.
The residents are already hopeful about the upcoming promised works, including drainage and base-course improvements in other stretches of the roads.
While there are concerns about the durability of the blacktop, the gewog administration and the site engineers assure that any early defect and wear and tear will be corrected by the contractor as part of the 18-month defects liability period.
Karma Samten Wangda, Haa
Edited by Sangay Chezom
