After a hiatus of almost two years, the construction of Dalbari-Dagapela secondary national highway in Dagana is now in full swing.
The work resumed in March last year and so far around 60 per cent of the project (formation cutting, laying of base course and construction of retaining walls and drains along the road) has been completed.
Following the Anti-Corruption Commission’s investigation, the works and human settlement ministry terminated contract of the project in March 2015. ACC recommended the ministry to either re-evaluate the tender or revoke the contract.
Currently, the focus is on blacktopping 4km of road (which will connect Dagapela Zero to Dagapela Town) and formation cutting over a cliff. This is expected to be completed before the start of the monsoon. Meanwhile locals are excited.
“Earlier when the works were put on halt, we faced a lot of inconveniences. Now as the works have begun and the roads are maintained, it has become very helpful for us. We no longer have to carry loads on our backs,” said one of the residents, Rinchen Om from Gaserling Gewog.
“Earlier the condition of the road was very bad, most of the time it remained blocked. Now when it completes it will be convenient for us to travel to Thimphu and Phuentshogling in a short time. We are very thankful,” added another villager of Gaserling Gewog, Suk Maya Subani.
According to the Project Coordinator Pema Thinley, works have been divided into five packages. Blacktopping over the stretch of road from Lhamoidzingkha has already begun.
Blacktopping on the others is expected to start by next year. The 80km secondary national highway is being constructed at a cost of Nu 1.4bn.
