Residents living along the Lekpagangchhu in Lhuentse will no longer have to fear about flashfloods during summer from next year. As a part of the flood mitigation project, the Dzongkhag Administration is constructing a retention wall along the stream. The works are expected to be complete by January next year.
Lekpagangchhu flows between the Lhuentse Dzong and town. Every summer, the stream causes flashfloods threatening the lives of the people living along the stream.
In 2019, the stream swelled and led to a flash flood, damaging Nakeythang Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centre and some properties.
“The flash flood occurred and it nearly damaged the properties, and also threatened the lives of our children. And from this year, the Dzongkhag has been constructing the retention wall along the stream and we don’t have to worry about our children’s safety. The retention walls would protect us if a flash flood occurs like last year,” said Tashi Wangmo, a resident.
“During summer, the stream swells causing threats to the lives of the residents. From this year, the Dzongkhag has started the construction of retention walls and almost half of the works have been completed now. After the completion of the retention wall, we will feel safe,” said Needup Dorji, a teacher of Lhuentse Primary School.
The Dzongkhag Administration had awarded the construction works to a contractor eight months ago. Unlike other flood protection walls, the retention wall is constructed using concrete and steel bars.
Once completed, the project is expected to benefit a religious institution, an ECCD centre and some residences.
“We have the Dzongkhag Tshogdu hall, an ECCD centre and also few Dzongkhag staff living in three or four houses. So if that flood comes, it might destroy all those structures and it will create losses to the human and the property,” said Jambay Wangchuk, Lhuentse Dzongdag.
The Dzongkhag Administration has allocated Nu 32 M for the construction project.
Sonam Tshering, Lhuentse
