A road connecting two gewogs in Punakha is becoming increasingly difficult to travel. Residents say potholes and a deteriorating road surface are making daily travel a challenge, particularly for small vehicles. Our reporter Changa Dorji travelled to the area to find out what is behind the problem and how it is affecting the communities.
For residents of Toewang and Chhubu Gewogs, this road is more than a route. It is their main link to the nearest market, the district centre and essential services.
But the roughly nine-kilometre stretch, constructed in the early 2000s, is now riddled with potholes and damaged road surfaces.
The damage starts almost from this junction. The blacktop has worn away in many places. Water flowing onto the road has also worsened the damage.
“Due to the potholes, small vehicles are finding it difficult to ply on this road. I also drive a small vehicle, and the vehicles often get hit underneath. Once the vehicle gets damaged, we have to spend money on repairs, and spare parts have become more expensive compared to the past,” said Tenzin Namgay, Tsephu-Khawakha Tshogpa, Toewang, Punakha.
“It is never safe to take sick and elderly people to the hospital because of the poor road condition. Likewise, there is a high risk of complications, including miscarriage, when taking pregnant women to the hospital. Elderly people may also get injured inside the vehicle when it jolts over the potholes,” said Chencho, Tamidamchhu-Thambji Tshogpa, Toewang, Punakha.
“During the rain, water collects in these potholes and splashes onto pedestrians when vehicles pass. During dry weather, the road becomes very dusty and passing vehicles raise dust that affects people’s health,” said Namgay Tenzin, a resident of Dawakha Chiwog, Toewang, Punakha.
The road also connects visitors to religious sites and Chubu Tshachu. With the road serving both residents and visitors, people say it needs urgent attention.
“There is not much of a problem for Hilux and Boleros. However, smaller vehicles often get hit underneath. We have to drive along the extreme edge of the road to avoid potholes. When it rains, the loose soil increases the risk of vehicles slipping or going off the road,” said Zeko, Driver, Chhubu Gewog, Punakha.
“Our small vehicles are constantly getting damaged underneath. It has become very difficult to drive on this road, and the condition has worsened significantly this year,” said Rinchen, a resident of Samdingkha, Toewang, Punakha.
However, some relief is in sight. According to the Department of Surface Transport Regional Office in Lobesa, the dzongkhag road will be improved during the current financial year.
The process of awarding the work is underway. The government has allocated around 50 million ngultrum for the project.
Meanwhile, the Chhubu Gewog road will be maintained through the routine maintenance budget, as no separate budget has been allocated for it in the current financial year.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Sonam Pem
