To demonstrate the capability of Bhutanese to undertake infrastructure projects that are completed at cost and on time, the De-suung National Service Road Construction Pilot Project will improve and widen the 7.3 kilometers Kurizampa-Gyalposhing road. The project is the first of its kind in the country. The ground-breaking ceremony was held today.
More than a 100 De-suups have signed up for the project that will integrate in-class sessions with on-the-job training at the site. 12 of them are currently being trained in operating heavy machines for road constructions.
“Once the project is completed, we want you to become skilled professionals. Upon the completion of the project, we are hopeful that the contractors and departments like CDCL and NRDCL will invite you for better job opportunities,” said the Works and Human Settlement Minister, Dorji Tshering.
“I am happy to be part of this new project. Moreover, we can acquire new skills which will be helpful for us to get better employment opportunities after its completion,” said Sonam Tobgay, a De-suup volunteering in the project.
“We are again lucky enough to participate in the road project. We have come to fulfil His Majesty’s vision by taking part in the project by acquiring new skills,” said Dorji, another De-suup.
Under normal circumstance, the widening of the 7.3 kilometres road is estimated to take more than twenty months. But the pilot project is aiming to complete it in twelve months through careful planning, mechanization and by having two shifts per day to speed up the works.
“As commanded by His Majesty the King, this road will be built to the high standards with the objectives to achieve triple construction principles of quality, cost and time. With an ulterior objective of setting new benchmark for all future road constructions in the country,” said Tenzin, the Director General of the department of roads.
He added that the project has recruited a road designer, a project manager and an engineer from a well-reputed Japanese company to train De-suups and oversee the project.
Upon the project’s completion, it will benefit commuters travelling the Gyalpozhing-Nganglam highway.
“It is inconvenient to travel since the road is narrow and more vehicles from Nganglam ply through this route. We are so excited to travel on the double lane highway once its completion,” said Ugyen Wangchuk, a resident of Gyalposhing.
“It is inconvenient to give way to other vehicles. Since the road is too narrow, it is also poses risky, as we have to travel along the drain and the cliff,” said Dargay, a trucker.
The De-Suung in partnership with the works and human settlement ministry will undertake the project.
The Kurizampa-Gyalposhing road connects five eastern districts to the growing economic hubs of Gyalposhing and Nganglam towns and further to the vast Indian market.
Sonam Tshering, Monggar
Edited by Sonam Pem
