The people of Haa are looking forward to the completion of the ongoing blacktopping works of the 155-kilometre Haa-Samtse secondary national highway. The blacktopping works are expected to be complete by end of this year.
“We have already awarded the blacktopping works to five different contractors and they have started the work. We expect to complete it in about three to four months time from now.” Kinzang Dorji, Haa Dzongdag, said.
Although incomplete, people say the highway is already benefitting them, as they have started to use the road. However, they said it will be more convenient, once the blacktopping works are complete.
The highway, which begins from Samar Gewog, has cut short the distance between the two dzongkhags by over 120 kilometres. It also connects Sangbaykha and Gakiling, two remote Gewogs of Haa.
Earlier, people travel to Samtse via Phuentshogling, which is about 280 kilometres.
“It used to take us two days to reach Samtse. But now with the new highway, it has benefited us since we own land in Dorokha too,” Phurba Tshering from Samar Gewog, said.
“The highway has not just reduced the distance but also our travel expenses. We don’t own cars so it is better we take the shorter route,” Nima, also from Samar Gewog, said.
Once complete, the highway will serve as an alternative route to the existing Haa-Samtse highway. It is also expected to boost the trade and economic opportunities of the two dzongkhags.
