𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐞𝐬: 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐧𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠’𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐥, 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

…𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒗𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚

By Ngawang Jamphel

The Doongna Gewog road, an essential link spanning 44 kilometers from Ganglakha to Doongna Gewog, has raised concerns due to its deteriorating condition. Serving as a crucial feeder road to four gewogs – Maedtabkha Gewog, Phuentsholing Gewog, Geling Gewog, and Loggchina Gewog, including Doongna Gewog, its state of disrepair has become a significant issue for travelers and residents alike.

Lobzang, the gup of Doongna Gewog, has been vocal about the road’s critical state, emphasizing the need for substantial maintenance. He noted that compared to other gewogs across the country, the Doongna Gewog road requires intensive care. “Despite a significant allocation of Nu. 16 million last year, which facilitated the completion of an 8-kilometer-long base course, severe damage from heavy rainfall washed away all progress. There is a critical need for bridges, particularly as numerous streams intersect the road, presenting significant challenges for travelers, especially during the monsoon season,” Lobzang added.

In response to the ongoing maintenance issues, the gewog has received additional funds amounting to Nu. 30,000 per kilometer. These funds are designated for minor upkeep tasks such as clearing blocked drainage and trimming grass along the roadside. However, the magnitude of the road’s deterioration suggests a need for more comprehensive solutions.

Gyeltshen, a resident of Loggchina Gewog, voiced the frustrations of farmers whose livelihoods depend on the road’s condition. He lamented that despite years of hard work in the fields, transportation challenges due to the road’s poor state result in significant product wastage. Gyeltshen appeals to responsible departments for assistance in maintaining the Doongna Gewog road, highlighting its crucial role in facilitating access to larger markets for agricultural products.

Similarly, Bakbir Rai, a taxi driver, expressed the inconvenience faced by transportation professionals due to frequent road blockages. Rai recounted instances where he was compelled to sleep on the road, highlighting the challenges posed by the road’s condition, especially for those reliant on it for their livelihoods.

Tham Bdr. Rai, gup of Loggchina Gewog, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the impact on the three chiwogs under Loggchina Gewog. He said, “The road’s deteriorating condition not only hampers transportation but also impedes access to essential services and economic opportunities for residents in the region.”

Despite the pressing issues surrounding the Doongna Gewog road, residents and travelers remain hopeful that their concerns will be heard and addressed swiftly. The road’s rehabilitation is not only essential for improving transportation but also for fostering economic growth and enhancing the overall well-being of communities dependent on it. The plight of the Doongna Gewog road reflects broader infrastructure challenges faced by rural communities across the nation. Urgent action and increased investment are imperative to ensure safe and reliable transportation networks for all residents and travelers in the region.