Road means economic development and growth. It brings many social benefits. It ensures access to various services. And people know that. Everyone residing along the 35-kilometre long Phuentshogpelri Gewog Center road in Samtse welcomes the blacktopped road. It was improved recently and people can now enjoy a smooth ride between Samtse and Gomtu town.
Vehicles wade across the Khanaverty River. It is shallow at this time of year. Ever since the border closed in March 2020, this remained the only internal route to reach Samtse from Gomtu town.
It is not always a pleasant journey, especially when it rains. But it can be now to a certain extent. The Phuentshogpelri Gewog Center road in Samtse covers nearly 70 per cent of the road between Samtse and Gomtu town.
The shopkeepers are excited by the prospect of doing good business.
“We are happy with the blacktopping of the road. Earlier, the road was very rough and it was difficult for people here. We had a tough time visiting Samtse town and the hospital,” said Mon Maya Rai.
“We are now expecting a good business with the improved road condition. Earlier, bringing in goods from the nearby towns was a challenge with the poor road condition. But now, we can bring in goods easily,” said Lal Maya Moktan.
But with the monsoon season approaching, people are worried that this small stretch of the Gewog center road will close the traffic.
“We are thankful that we received a bridge over the Khanaverty River but the worry now is at Litchi River. Since the river swells frequently during the rainy season, hume pipes were used but it was of little help. For now, we don’t have any problem,” said Ashish Gurung, a resident of the Gewog.
“Today, there are two roads to go to Gomtu from Samtse. One is along the river but it is very rough. Another one is the recently blacktopped GC road. It is convenient but roads are narrow and steep. There are risks of accidents too,” said Kelzang Dawa, another resident.
The officiating District Engineer said they are currently in talks with the Gewog administration to construct a reliable bridge over the Litchi River.
And once that is done, he said people will be able to use the road throughout the year. Nearly Nu 80 M was spent on the construction of the road, three bridges and blacktopping.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
