In Phuentshogling, the road around the roundabout near the old YDF in the Thromde has been in poor condition for years. According to the Thromde, the road which was initially designed and meant for light vehicles is being used by trucks carrying heavy loads leading to the worsening road condition. The road connects several places in Phuentshogling Town and Samtse. The Thromde is now planning to concretise the road in the current financial year.
Although potholes along the road are temporarily filled with soil, the road reverts back to its original state when it rains. The last major maintenance work was done in 2021.
The Thromde resurfaced the road but this did not last even for six months. The Phuentshogling Thrompon said this is because heavy vehicles are using the road.
“The road was constructed without knowing and considering the future scenario. So, if we look at the current situation, the road is being used by a lot of heavy trucks carrying boulders. The blacktop does not last long. It was not designed for heavy vehicles. No matter how much we repair, potholes develop in the next three to six months,” said Uttar Kumar Rai, the Phuentshogling Thrompon.
A few drivers BBS talked to said the condition of the road has been very poor for years.
They said other roads in the Thromde are in a similar state.
“The road around the roundabout near YDF is damaged by heavy vehicles carrying boulders to Bangladesh. We, taxi drivers are facing inconvenience. The road is filled with potholes and our vehicles get damaged. After the rain, the road condition between Phuentshogling and Kharbandi has also deteriorated. Although our vehicle is new, we might have to do maintenance soon. The condition of the road is not good,” said Tshering Dorji, a cab driver.
“When it rains heavily, the potholes are filled with rainwater. It is really difficult for us. Although the road is maintained, it doesn’t last,” said Kiba Choden, another taxi driver.
“It is a loss for us when we go to drop passengers at places near Amo Chhu. Maintenance works are carried out but we do not understand how it is being done. Potholes start appearing after just a few days. Our vehicles are getting damaged,” said Karma Tshering.
According to the Phuentshogling Thrompon, there is a lack of coordination between those exporting boulders and the Thromde.
“Without a representative from the Thromde, they would just look at meeting their goals. The Thromde can’t go on repairing the road time and again. In the end, people blame the Thromde for the poor condition of the road,” said Phuentshogling Thrompon Uttar Kumar Rai.
The thromde is planning to concretise the road soon. They have already approached the finance ministry, and the ministry has asked the Thromde to submit a detailed report. The concretisation work is expected to cost around Nu 10 M.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
