Ever since Gasa District was connected with a motor-able road in 2011, the place saw profound economic developments.
Commercial establishments such as grocery shops, liquor outlets, and restaurants have mushroomed. Prior to road connectivity, the Gasa Dzongkhag Thromde comprised of few shops, say in numbers- 10 to 15 shops.
Likewise, several public infrastructure development projects are afoot. These are construction of staff quarters for civil servants and some other government structures.
Currently, the road is being blacktopped and so far, more than half of the work has been completed.
In an interview to BBS News, Gasa Dzongdag, Dorji Dhradhul said the improved road condition has been instrumental in accelerating socio-economic development in the district.
“Due to difficult road condition, we didn’t get enough qualified bidders to carryout capital works. They feared they might incur losses. But since last year, we started to get more competitors in any capital works.”
Even the price of commodities has become affordable, told the residents. They added the motorway has lifted the burden of rural life.
“We can get into a vehicle right from our doorsteps. Even when we are sick, we can easily go to hospital. Our life has become convenient,” said Kencho Pem.
The business community is also benefited.
“In the beginning the road was cleared till Gayza. From there, we had to bring our goods on horses. Sometimes, due to landslides, we had to change vehicles twice. But now that road is here, it is so convenient to ferry goods,” said one of the shopkeepers, Dorji.
But concerns regarding the quality of blacktopped portions have surfaced
It has been only few months since some portion of road was blacktopped. However, its quality has started to deteriorate. According to Dzongdag, this was caused by weather conditions.
“Compared to other districts, Gasa is supposed to have wet and humid weather. So, concerned officials feel that maybe these two micro climatic elements are affecting the state of the road.”
Nevertheless, the dzongkhag authority has informed the Department of Roads about the problem and said they will take over the road only after the issue is sorted out.
To realise Gasa Dzongkhag’s vision of ‘Good to Great Gasa,’ having a good road condition is of utmost importance. The entire road to Gasa from Punakha covers over 70 kilometres.
