Although a bit late, residents of Yurung Gewog in Pema Gatshel will finally get their GC road paved. Works to blacktop the 20-kilometre stretch is expected to be complete by next week. Despite being constructed more than a decade ago, the road has remained unpaved causing problems to the residents.
Works to blacktop the Yurung Gewog Centre road is in full swing today. The residents are happy that things are finally happening. Moreover, they said it is timely too.
“When a new road is constructed there is always a risk of frequent landslides. Even the paved road will be damaged frequently as the road needs time to get stable. But in the case of Yurung farm road, I think it is quite stable as it was constructed around 10 years ago. So, I feel the blacktopping works are timely and hope that the paved roads will last longer than other farm roads,” said Sangay Norbu, a shopkeeper in the gewog.
“Earlier, we were quite upset about the condition and the progress of the farm road. But, finally, we can see some new developments. We are happy and confident that the road will be better,” said Sangay Chezom, Dungsingma Tshogpa.
“I think we are doing the blacktopping works at the right time. Since the gewog farm road was constructed a long time ago, I think the road is finally stable and can withstand harsh weather as well. And when it comes to maintenance works, I think we will not have to do that for some time now,” said Tashi Tshewang, Gewog administrative officer.
Once complete, the new road is expected to reduce the travel duration by half.
“In the past, it used to take us about one hour to reach Pema Gatshel town but now with the new road, we can reach the destination in just half an hour. As such, it will be much easier and more comfortable for us to reach our vegetables in the market. Likewise, we will also be able to reach the hospital on time with the new road,” said Sangay Chezom.
“Being a businessman, I have to travel a lot. And with unpaved and bumpy roads, I had to frequently visit workshops for vehicle maintenance,” said Sangay Norbu.
Residents are also hopeful that hiring charges for private vehicles in the village will also come down once the blacktopping works are complete. The Government of India funded the construction of the GC road at over Nu 60 M.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
