The bridge between Damphu and Tsirang-Toe feeder road collapsed on Saturday following heavy rainfall. This has affected the people of Tsirang-toe, Sergithang and Phuenten-chhu geogs under Tsirang Dzongkhag.
Residents of Tsirang-toe, Sergithang and Phuenten-chhu depend on this bridge to travel and transport essential commodities to their geogs. The bridge was constructed about a year ago. It collapsed after one of its abutments was damaged by a flash flood. Several landslides have also blocked the feeder road. This has caused inconvenience to the farmers residing in these three geogs. Residents say the price of commodities has increased.
The rainfall has also washed away some parts of the road, making it risky for the people to cross. Currently people are carrying everything on their back from the bridge.
People are expecting the Dzongkhag administration to do something. The Dzongkhag however, does not have budget to restore the bridge.
According to Tsirang Dzongda Pemba Wangchuk, the bridge cannot be repaired immediately.
The Dzongkhag administration says they are dependent on the Department of Disaster anagement for funds to restore the bridge. The Dzongkhag is yet to submit the detailed report of the bridge to the Disaster Management. As of now, it is not sure how long it will take to restore the bridge. Until then people will have to bear the problem.
There are also reports of damages to farm roads, irrigation canals and retaining walls in almost all the geogs in the Dzongkhag. The Dzongkhag is still assessing the damages. A complete report will be submitted to the Disaster Management.
