Around 3,000 residents depend on the Semjong Dzongkhag road, most of whom rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods. The road, constructed in 2001 and blacktopped about a decade ago, has deteriorated steadily. Residents say the road’s worsening condition has increased travel time and vehicle maintenance expenses. They are now urging the Department of Surface Transport to carry out road improvement works.
The more than seven-kilometre road begins from Changchay in Gosarling Gewog. The stretch up to the Cottage and Small Industry Park located at the foot of Semjong remains in fairly good condition.
However, beyond that point, the road quickly deteriorates into large potholes with worn-out blacktop, making travel bumpy and dusty.
The Department of Surface Transport recently filled many of the potholes with mud. However, residents say the repair may not last long, especially with the monsoon approaching.
“When the road was newly blacktopped, it used to take less time to travel to Damphu. Now, as the road condition worsens, travelling has become very challenging and travel time has increased,” said Tula Ram, Resident, Semjong Gewog, Tsirang.
“Due to poor drainage systems in some areas, the road condition has deteriorated. We would be grateful if the government could repair it at the earliest,” said Tara Bir Saru, Resident, Semjong Gewog, Tsirang.
However, the Semjong Dzongkhag road is not among the 146 Dzongkhag roads identified by the Department of Surface Transport for improvement under the current 13th Five-Year-Plan.
During the last Meet the Press session, an official from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport said the remaining 79 road improvement works would be taken up once funding is secured.
Until the Department of Surface Transport prioritises the Semjong road, residents will have no choice but to continue travelling on the road that is steadily worsening.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sonam Pem
