Locals of Samarchhu chiwog in Tsenda-Gang gewog, Dagana, raised concerns for a need of a motorable bridge over Samarchhu. Without a bridge, they say, the farm roads remain underutilized.
Farm roads were constructed about a few years ago but locals have not been able to use as there is no bridge. Today, it takes at least two hours to reach its nearest village on foot which otherwise is a half an hour ride.
“Without a bridge, especially during summers, I have to park my vehicle on one side of the river and travel on foot to reach to the other side. We have to carry our farm produce on our back which is a problem for us. And since the road remains unused, we do not carry any maintenance works on time,” said Lal Bdr. Limbo, a local in the gewog
“Today, in absence of a bridge, vehicles can’t reach our villages during summer. And due to this, selling our farm produce is a problem,” said Dhan Kuma Subba.
Locals have been using a suspension bridge to cross the river for many years. But it has become risky as the bridge hasn’t been maintained.
“We have a suspension bridge but elderly people and kids can’t walk over as it swings when we walk. And it is a problem when we have to take sick people,” added Lal Bdr. Limbo.
According to the Tsenda-Gang Gewog Administration, budget for constructing a motorable bridge could not be included this year as the office had already approved a budget for bridge construction in another village. Instead, a bailey bridge would be constructed, as per the office.
“Recently, we completed survey works for the construction of a bailey bridge with a consultation with the engineers. We have also requested the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement to provide us with the materials. We have planned to include the bridge construction works for next year,” said Bal Bahadur Rana, the Tsenda-Gang Gup.
He added that a temporary bridge will be constructed over the river within a week’s time for vehicular movement.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
