What was once one of Garpawoong village’s biggest challenges has become one of its biggest improvements. After years of washed-out roads and difficult journeys, residents now have a stronger, longer-lasting road.
For years, rebuilding a temporary wooden bridge and dealing with road closures during the monsoon had become an annual routine for residents.
That has now changed. A more than 600-metre stretch of the damaged road has been upgraded with paver blocks, and a new culvert has been constructed at a cost of about Nu 4 M. The improved road is designed to withstand heavy monsoon rains and provide reliable, year-round access.
Officials say paver blocks are slightly more expensive than blacktopping but are more durable, easier to maintain, and can be repaired without damaging the entire road. All the materials used for the project were produced locally.
“Without a proper bridge, students sometimes had to cross the river just to get to the school. Now that the road has been improved, we are very happy. We will never forget this support,” said Tshering Dema, a resident of Garpawoong, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“The road was in a poor condition, and on top of that, we struggled to cross the stream. Now, the road has been upgraded with paver blocks, and we also have a culvert. Travelling has become much safer and easier for everyone,” said Jigme, another resident of Garpawoong, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“The road has now been maintained; it is really beneficial for both the villagers and the school. Before, the road would often be washed away by the river during the monsoon,” said Tempa Wangdi, also a resident of Garpawoong, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Earlier, we had to build footbridges to cross the stream, which was very difficult. Now we have a proper bridge, and travelling is much easier and safer,” said Sonam Lhaden, a resident of Garpawoong, Samdrup Jongkhar.
The upgraded road now provides safer and more reliable access to Garpawoong Middle Secondary School, the hospital and the market.
It now ends the years of disruption for the village.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
