For nearly three years, residents of Traling in Monggar town have struggled with a lack of parking space. With no designated area, vehicles are being left in unsafe and poorly lit spaces, away from their homes. Tenants and homeowners have been raising concerns with local authorities but to no avail.
Residents did not have enough parking areas after a footpath was developed along the Monggar-Thimphu highway.
The situation has been worse for those residing just below the highway, which is the lower part of Traling, as they have to park their cars in other places.
There are around 45 tenants residing in that area.
Parking along the highway is strictly prohibited, leaving residents with limited alternatives.
Pema Dorji, a resident said “When the footpath was not developed, it was convenient to park along the side of the road and unload vehicles. The problem started after developing the footpath. It has been almost three years.”
Sangay Dema, another resident said “We do not have parking area here. We are not allowed to stop our cars and unload goods. We need a parking space here. So far, we have been waiting for the government to identify one but nothing as of now.”
Gyem Tshering, who is also a resident said “Even though there are people looking for apartments they do not move in when we tell them there is no parking space. Even the ones staying move out after one to two months. We have constructed houses lending loans from the banks and we are facing difficulty in repaying the loan.”
However, the issue is expected to be solved in the current Five-Year-Plan as the district administration plans to construct parking with internal roads, drainage system, water supply and installation of streetlights in the town.
The Monggar District Engineer said they have identified some locations and a few parking spaces have been partially developed in the lower part of Traling.
The engineer said the work will commence once the budget is secured.
Sonam Darjay, Monggar
Edited by Tshering Zam
