A long-standing issue of connectivity facing the residents of Sukraty in Samtse is finally being addressed. A 5.5-meter-wide multi-cell box culvert, set to serve as a permanent concrete bridge, is under construction over the Sukraty River, bringing much-needed hope to villagers who are often cut off during the monsoon season.
The Sukraty River may look harmless now. But during monsoon, it turns into a powerful and dangerous stream.
For years, the river has cut off villages like Gawadoog and Kipadoog from the rest of Samtse. With no other road access, over 35 households face this problem every rainy season.
Temporary bridges built by villagers never lasted long. Strong currents would wash them away. In the past, the gewog spent around Nu 40,000 to 50,000 each time to rebuild temporary bridges.
“Earlier, without a bridge here, the village would come together and build temporary bridges. But they never lasted. The river would wash them away during heavy rains. A few children even got injured. We are happy that a permanent bridge is finally being built,” said Rohit Lee Rai, a resident.
“Without a reliable bridge, school-going children had a tough time. This new bridge will help us in many ways. We are very happy,” said Tek Bdr Ghalley, a resident.
“I’ve been here for 35 years, and this problem has been around longer than that. We wrote letters and kept requesting, and now it’s finally happening. We thank the government,” said Chakrawati Rai, a resident.
The multi-cell box culvert is designed to handle large volumes of water and fast flows, ideal for flash flood-prone areas like Sukraty. According to the contractor, around 40 per cent of the work is complete as of today.
Although the contract duration is eight months, the contractor hopes to finish before the monsoon hits.
According to the gewog administration, the project is part of the Nu 10 M budget from the High Impact Community Development Project recently allocated to the gewog, with Nu 6.6 M earmarked for the culvert.
While a suspension bridge was initially proposed, frequent flash floods and a site inspection led to a change in plan. The multi-cell box culvert was seen as a more durable and safer alternative.
The Sukraty River may rise again this monsoon. But this time, villagers are hoping they won’t be left stranded.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
