The Department of Surface Transport has almost completed taking over the Gewog Centre or GC roads. Only two districts remain where the local government still need to transfer control. Once complete, the department plans to carry out maintenance on the badly damaged roads. With the poor condition of GC roads often making headlines, the Parliament during the 2022 winter session passed the decision for the GC roads to be managed by the Department of Surface Transport.
The transfer of responsibility for the GC roads began towards the end of last month. Only the GC roads in Samtse and Chhukha are left as of now.
Officials are currently studying the road conditions in the two districts and will be done by the end of this month.
Director General of the Department of Surface Transport, Tenzin said that the poor road conditions could be attributed to the repeated transfer of responsibility for the GC roads between the department and the local governments.
In 2019, the government decided to hand over the management of GC roads to the Dzongkhags and Gewogs to address the worsening condition of the GC roads.
The DG added that they will aim to deliver high-quality output and speedy service.
“It is important to have expertise in the field of road construction and maintenance for quality output. As we are experienced in blacktopping and repairing roads, I think we can do better compared to before. We have experience in procurement and dealing with contractors which will make it faster to provide reconstruction of roads in the districts.”
The department also plans to upgrade these roads to highways in the future.
“We have plans to upgrade the Dzongkhag Roads to highways and then have it taken care of by the government, that would solve the confusion. Having one department maintain the data and information of the roads would also benefit the government and the others,” added the DG.
Meanwhile, the transfer of responsibility has been warmly received by both local leaders and the public.
“They are experts in dealing with roads and also have the human resources,” said Tshering Tenzin, Bardo Mangmi, Zhemgang.
“Most of the GC roads in the Dzongkhag are in a very poor state. We are trying our best to maintain the drainage and minor maintenance works on our own. Now, we are hoping things will be better than before as the department has expertise and experience,” said Beda Moni Chamlagai, chairperson of Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
“With the government taking over the Dzongkhag Roads, we hope that all the Gewog Centre Roads and farm roads will get properly repaired,” said Kinley Dendup, Phangyuel Mangmi, Wangdue Phodrang.
The department says only after finishing their assessment at the end of September will they be able to ascertain the number of GC roads that need maintenance and the required budget.
As of now, there are 187 GC roads spanning more than 2,000 kilometres across the country as per the Department of Surface Transport.
Tashi Chezom
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
