In Tsirang, the poor condition of Tsirang Toed Gewog Centre (GC) road has become an urgent issue, needing prompt intervention. Otherwise, with monsoon right around the corner, people fear that the already bad road will become inaccessible, affecting timely services from the gewog office.
This 12-kilometre GC road in Tsirang Toed Gewog starts from a tri-junction point in Semjong Gewog. It is the most frequented road by not only the residents of Tsirang Toed Gewog but also the people of Pungtenchhu and Sergithang gewogs.
But the condition of the road is very pitiable. One would be greeted with occasional potholes and bumps, making driving a hellish experience.
The steep gradient and poorly maintained drains alongside the road have aggravated the problem. Some commuters recounted several vehicle accidents along the way. They said the road is in dire need of maintenance.
“The road has many steep turnings and due to this, the pressing brake pedal is very risky. For heavy vehicles, it’s riskier as it will result in the breakdown of spring and might move backwards, leading to fatal accidents,” said one of the regular motorists, Nar Dojh.
Like him, others also talked about terrible road conditions.
“The road condition has become so horrible and it is risky driving along the road, especially the small vehicles. Public transport buses also use this road. It is worrisome for vehicles ferrying heavy loads,” said Bal Bdr. Tamang, a driver.
“We have to travel via this road day and night. I heard some two years back that the road would be resurfaced. But till date, nothing has been done and the road has further deteriorated,” said Birkha Bahadur Subba, another motorist.
However, the repair works are not likely to begin soon.
The Gewog office reasoned that since almost the entire GC stretch needs to be renovated, they don’t have adequate funds.
“The gewog has allocated about Nu 360,000. The gewog has already used Nu 100,000 for bush clearing and drainage works last year. And nobody has turned up to maintain the road with the remaining budget,” said Tsirang Toed Gup Nanda Lal Kharel.
If the budget issue remains unsolved for long or the district administration does not act fast, having an improved GC road will be a farfetched dream for the people there.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Pema Lhaden
