When the Mao River swells, it becomes impossible for the boat to operate. During such times, people of the four gewogs on the other side of the Mao River, use the suspension bridge over the Thewar Chhu to come to Gelephu. But with the bridge dismantled about a month ago, people are facing difficulty crossing the Thewar Chhu.
Sonam Dorji, a resident of Serzhong Gewog, says crossing Thewar Chhu is even more difficult when traveling with family. “There is more risk of being washed away,” he said.
Ugyen Tenzin, a taxi owner from Shawapang Village in Chuzargang gewog said, he had to leave his taxi on the other side of the river a few days back, as he could not drive it through the current. “It had rained continuously for past few days.” He had to return a couple of days later to get his taxi.
The suspension bridge has been dismantled for the construction of a new motorable bridge. And it does not look like the construction will be complete soon.
The wall for the construction of the bridge has been completed and handed over to the concerned authorities today. It will now be taken over by the Construction Development Corporation Limited for the fitting of the bridge.
The Gewog Administration Officer of Serzhong Gewog said it might take another two weeks. Even after that, the bridge will not open to traffic as a seven kilometer farm road connecting both sides of the bridge is being constructed.
