Dorokha Dungkhag in Samtse will have a reliable road soon as the road connecting the dungkhag with the rest of Samtse will be blacktopped by early next year. Without a reliable road connection, residents of the dungkhag remain cut off for months, especially during the monsoon season.
Despite being constructed a decade ago, the 26 kilometre stretch starting from Halhaley, the tri-junction between Samtse, Dorokha, and Phuentshogling, remains in poor condition.
The situation worsens when the monsoon season begins. The road not only helps in connecting the three gewogs of Dorokha Dungkhag, but is also a part of the Samtse-Haa Secondary National Highway.
“The road’s condition is fine during the winter season. Any sort of vehicle can travel through the stretch. But during summer times, it is challenging and risky as well. Due to rain, there are frequent blocks reported and we remain cut-off for weeks,” said Yeshi Wangchuk, a resident of Dorokha.
“Without an immediate response team to help during monsoon season, it is very challenging when roads get blocked. And heavy vehicles cannot travel for the growing businesses here. Likewise, ambulance drivers also face difficulty in catering the health service,” said Damber Singh Rai, another resident.
However, the problems are expected to solve soon. Works to blacktop the stretch will begin soon.
“Due to incessant rainfall during the monsoon season, carrying out any developmental work is very challenging in Dorokha. However, works to lay out the base course on the stretch is being carried out currently. Then the blacktopping works will begin and it is expected to take about three months to complete the work,” said Karma Jurmi, the Dorokha Dungpa.
With the roads to get blacktopped very soon, it looks like the residents of Dorokha Dungkhag will finally enjoy a good road experience this monsoon.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
