The condition of road in Khuruthang deteriorated following sewerage works in the town carried out last year. Roads were dug in many parts to lay sewer pipes.
In June last year, Punakha dzongkhag administration contracted out the work to fix and blacktop the damaged roads . The contractor has to complete the work by end of next month.
Town residents say, as of now, the base course work has been completed but the blacktopping has been carried out in some areas only.
This has rendered the road dusty. “It’s bad especially in the afternoons because that’s when the wind blows harder,” said Gyeltshen, a resident. “If you open your car window, the dust gets inside. If you close it, it’s too hot,” he added.
Residents said they have no idea why it is taking the contractor so long to blackt
op the road.
The municipal authorities say the contractor has been warned several times. “The contractor has assured the work will be completed by end of this month,” said Aiman Limboo, the municipal engineer.
“Failing to meet the deadline will result in the termination of the contract,” he added.
Apart from being dusty, the road is also riddled with potholes. There are also exposed manhole covers in many parts of the town.
Hotel owners say the bad road condition has affected their businesses. “The tourists like to walk around the town but it’s hard to do that here,” said Yeshey, an hotelier. “Forget about taking a walk, it’s even difficult to drive.”
