Pema Gatshel engineering staff are now trained to launch a bailey bridge, meaning they can now connect the panels together and lay the structure over the river. Usually, the Department of Roads and Construction Development Corporation carry out the launch.
Over 20 staff in the engineering sector are engaged in launching the bailey bridge over the Marung stream in Khar gewog. An official from the Department of Roads provides hands-on training. The works to launch the 36-meter-long bridge started this week. The officials first joined the panels and then pulled the completed structure using the rollers and cables over the stream.
According to the Dzongkhag engineering sector, the training will not only reduce the expenditure but also help in responding to emergencies promptly.
“We can immediately respond if there is an emergency by consulting the Department of Roads,” said Kinzang Wangchuk, the Offtg. Dzongkhag Engineer in Pema Gatshel.
He, however, said the lack of equipment at the district might be a hurdle when implementing what they learned in the training.
“As we don’t have a rocking roller or launching nose in the Dzongkhag, we have to borrow from other regional offices. So when they also have the same work to do, we won’t get the required equipment,” he added.
The works on the current bridge will be completed by end of this month. Once complete, the bridge will benefit the people of Denchi town and Khar Gewog. Although there is a farm road, the road couldn’t serve its purpose without a bridge.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
