Gongdue and Silambi in Mongar are among the gewogs in the dzongkhag without blacktopped gewog centre roads. Blacktopping work is expected to begin next month.

Over Nu 300 million has been allocated in the current plan to blacktop GC roads of Gongdue, Silambi, and Narang.

Landslides and roadblocks are the common challenges facing the people of Gongdue and Silambi.

“These gewogs are located far away from the dzongkhag and it was difficult for the heavy machinery to reach the roadblock areas. This could be solved now and people are excited about the plan,” said Weringla Dungpa, Tashi Tenzin.

The improvement in road connectivity is also expected to bring about socioeconomic development to the two gewogs.

“Those places need the best civil servants. The farm practices are labour intensive to date and people lack exposure. The blacktopping of the GC road would encourage officials to visit the place and understand the reality,” Tashi Tenzin said.

Rigzang from Daksa said that the roads were not pliable during the rainy season. “The roads are frequently blocked. The situation becomes worse when we have to attend emergencies. People have been volunteering to clear roadblocks.”

Nima | Mongar