Potholes, uneven surfaces and deteriorating road stretches are making movement difficult for residents of Samdrupcholing town in Samdrup Jongkhar. With the town continuing to grow, residents say the poor road condition is not only affecting daily commuters but also businesses, and they are calling for timely maintenance.
About 200 metres of internal road in Samdrupcholing town have remained in poor condition for about four years. Although it is the busiest road in the town as it leads to the new township and vegetable market, potholes and uneven surfaces have become a common sight.
The deteriorating stretch has made movement difficult for residents and motorists.
Residents say the road needs maintenance, as the town continues to grow and traffic increases.
“The road has been in this condition for many years, maybe around three to four years. We don’t know why it has not been maintained or whether there are any plans to improve it,” said Birbal Gurung, a resident.
Another resident, Purna Bahadur Powdel said,“It is very difficult to travel on this road, especially when going to the market, including the vegetable market. When it rains, the road becomes even more difficult to use because of the mud and poor condition.”
“The road does not have proper drainage, so rainwater collects in the potholes, making it difficult for smaller vehicles to navigate. During winter, dust is a major problem, while in summer, the road becomes muddy. Nothing seems to be improving here,” said Bunu Gurung, a shopkeeper.
The district administration plans to carry out sewerage construction soon.
Officials say repairing the road now would be impractical, as the road could be damaged during the sewerage construction. Once completed, the authorities plan to maintain the road.
Until then, residents will have to continue using the deteriorating stretch.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
