Residents of Changedhaphu, commonly known as Kalabazar, in Thimphu, are unhappy with their road’s condition. They say it is one of the most used roads in Thimphu Thromde and perhaps, one of the most discussed for its poor condition. Most parts of the road are riddled with potholes. It is a bothersome drive for the hundreds of vehicles using the road daily.
A resident who has lived in the area for over two decades says the road’s condition has always been the same.
“The road is very narrow. Earlier, since there weren’t many vehicles and buildings, it wasn’t much of an issue. But today, there are more vehicles using the road and the population in the area also increased,” said Phurba, a resident of Changedhaphu.
Passang Dem, a resident, said the road’s poor condition also poses risk to pedestrians, especially students who use the route to get to and from school every day. “It’s been four years since I started my business here. I haven’t seen any changes in the road’s condition. It poses risk to students using the road daily. If the authority concerned cannot maintain this road, it’s better to make it one way,” she said.
The complaints pour in from people from all walks of life.
“I don’t know when the road condition in Kalabazar will improve. It’s been more than a year now. It is inconvenient driving to Kalabazar. Some people come to drop their children at Druk School and Rinchen High School. It is problematic for them as well,” said Thinley Dorji, a Taxi Driver.
Pema Wangda, another taxi driver, said most taxi drivers are reluctant to drop people at Changedhaphu because of the poor road condition. He said the works to maintain the road is taking too long. ” Of course the Thromde is working to maintain the road but there is no result. Some people don’t know how to drive well, they could get stuck in the middle of the road,” he said.
The Thimphu Thromde’s chief engineer says works are ongoing to improve the road’s condition.
“We have awarded the work to contractors. But at the moment, as everyone is aware, the pandemic impacted all our development activities. When we get raw materials, we don’t have people to work. When we have people, there are no materials. People face inconvenience because we are maintaining the sewer system along the road,” said Yeshi Wangdi, the Chief Engineer of Thimphu Thromde.
The maintenance works are expected to be complete within the next eight to nine months as per the plan. But considering the uncertainties due to the COVID-19, will this be achieved? This is something only time will tell.
Pema Seldon Tshering
