The widening and improvement works of the 51-kilometre road between Chuzom to Haa, which missed its initial deadline in 2021, were given an extension till July this year. However, the road is still far from complete. People residing along the road are unhappy over the never-ending works.
To improve road infrastructure and cater to the growing traffic in the region, the formation cutting of the project started by the end of 2018.
The road, which runs through Paro’s Dogar and Naja Gewogs is the primary route connecting Haa to the Asian Highway.
The project carried out by Project DANTAK is executed in three packages. The formation cutting for the entire length has been completed. Blacktopping works and permanent works such as the construction of retaining walls, drains and bridges are in progress.
As of now, over 20 kilometres of the road have been blacktopped. For the remaining blacktopping works, contracts have been awarded to local contractors in April of this year.
For now, people say they are facing inconveniences when travelling along the stretch.
“It does not look like it will be complete any time soon. The works started a long time ago. During the rainy season, the potholes on the road get filled up with water. So, our cars get hit by rocks from beneath,” said Sonam Tenzin, a commuter.
“As the road has yet to be blacktopped in my area, it is inconvenient to drive on the stretch. My car got hit on the surface around two times when I came from Wanakha to Bueltikha,” said Phuntsho, a resident of Wanakha.
“As this road is in bad condition, most of the people prefer travelling via Chelela bypass. It is almost four years now that the road has remained in this condition. We have to hitch-hike in other vehicles to avoid damage to our car,” said Tobgay, another resident of Wanakha.
“During summer, the road becomes very muddy and it becomes inconvenient for students to walk to school as well. During the dry season, it becomes very dusty and the dust affects our vegetables and gets in our houses as well,” said Tshengay, a resident of Bueltikha,
DANTAK officials said the COVID–19 pandemic has affected the progress of the project to a large extent. Moreover, the officials also blame the bad weather and cold winter in the region for hampering the works.
Besides being unhappy with the slow progress of the project, some people living along the highway are also accusing Project DANTAK of having favoured some households over others in the construction of retaining walls.
They say the project has constructed walls for some households while some households are yet to have their walls constructed.
“During the formation cutting, the project has cut a portion of land along with existing walls. But now they are not constructing the walls properly. Our request to the project office is to no avail,” said Tshengay, Bueltikha, Paro.
According to Project DANTAK, the construction of retaining walls, drains, and bridges is prioritised based on the risks the cutting works have posed to houses.
Meanwhile, the infrastructure and transport minister said that blacktopping works in one of the stretches have not started, as the contractor could not obtain the required clearances.
“One of the contractors must have almost completed the works. However, the other one could not get an area to set up the asphalt plant. If he gets the area, it will not take more than two months. All in all, they have plans to complete the entire work by the end of this year,” said Dorji Tshering, Infrastructure and Transport Minister.
The project is funded by the Government of India with a budget of over Nu 2.5bn. DANTAK officials also said they are now expecting the project to be completed by the end of this year.
Namgay Wangchuk, Haa
Edited by Kipchu
