People in Berti in Zhemgang are looking forward to the completion of a suspension bridge over the Mangdechhu. The bridge is expected to connect the village with the market in Tingtibi. Though they are already connected with a farm road, residents say the new bridge will shorten the distance between the village and the Tingtibi town.
Berti village in Trong Gewog is just a few minutes’ walk from the Trongsa-Tingtibi highway. However, the Mangdechhu between the village and the highway has forced the residents to take the alternate route to reach the town of Tingtibi. They have been using the five-kilometre farm road in the village to reach the town.
Except for power tillers and some four-wheel vehicles, they don’t often see many cars on there. Life has been hard, especially for those residents who don’t have a car. But the problems will soon be history. The 87-meter-long suspension bridge over the Mangdechhu will take them to the highway in a few minutes.
According to the residents, the bridge will encourage them to grow more cash crops. They can now carry their crops to the highway and get a ride easily from the highway.
“While people owning cars can drive like in the past, people like us can take the shortcut through this bridge. Apart from benefiting Berti village, there are many plans once the bridge is launched,” said Dorji Namgay, a resident of Berti.
“We take our agriculture produce to Tingitbi in the past and it is difficult to get a ride. But now we can take our produce to the highway just across the river. It will be easier for us now,” added Rinzin Dorji, also in Berti.
The suspension bridge is being constructed at a cost of Nu 3.9 M. The construction began in 2021 and is expected to complete soon.
The bridge will benefit the 26 households in Berti. Moreover, the Berti Community Eco-Lodge is expected to see a business boom since it is located right next to the bridge. The area attracts nature lovers since it is identified as a roosting place for the endangered White-bellied Heron.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sonam
