In Sarpang, the people of Singye Gewog are cut off during monsoons when the seasonal Balatung and Tung streams swell due to the lack of bridges. Residents say that having bridges would ease transportation and open larger markets for their farm produce. They are now pinning their hopes on the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region to construct the bridges.
For years, the people of Singye Gewog have struggled with connectivity issues whenever the Balangtung and Tung streams swell.
“We need bridges and the entire stretch of the road needs maintenance. This road is giving us a lot of trouble. If it rains, we cannot cross the two streams. And if the road is blacktopped it will benefit us,” said Hari Prasad Bhataria, a resident.
According to the Singye Gup, the gewog office’s hands are tied.
“We do not have enough funds in the gewog development grant to construct the bridges. What we can do is disperse the water and make the road plyable. Constructing bridges is beyond our means,” said Jigme, Singye Gup.
The gewog office has proposed the construction of bridges in the 13th Five-Year Plan, but it is uncertain if the proposal will be approved.
In the meantime, residents hope that the inception of the Gelephu Mindfulness City will come to their rescue.
“For the residents of Singye Gewog, the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness will be of huge benefit. Our challenge is the road leading to our gewog especially not having a bridge at Balatung. In summers, when the stream swells, we cannot travel,” said Jambayang Lhamo, a resident.
“Vehicles from both sides get stranded when it rains heavily during summers. Even public transport buses cannot ply. If the mindfulness city comes up with a bridge, it will solve our problem,” said Choki Dema, another resident.
The gewog, home to about 300 households, is located approximately 13 kilometres from the Sarpang District Administration.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
