Our roads are becoming increasingly unsafe. Navigating the city roads is a challenge that is growing by the day because of numerous ruts and holes on our roads. This poses serious threat to both drivers and pedestrians.

The problem will become serious as vehicle number grows in the future. Already our narrow roads are choked. Population growth over the years will only add to the problem. Records show that traffic accidents have now become disturbingly common.

This has compelled Thimphu Thromde to deploy road inspectors who will ensure that our people do not wash their car by the roads. They will also monitor water outlets from the roadside buildings and make sure that water does not flow over the roads. Penalties will be imposed on defaulters.

This is a good initiative but much of the problem that we confront today can easily be solved if we care to be a bit more sensible and responsible. We must learn to be less selfish and take care of our social properties. But it seems that our people will only learn the hard way.

We have a regulation that says placing or storing commercial and construction materials on the streets, roads and pedestrian pathways without permission of the relevant authority will be imposed a fine of Nu 2,000. People who divert water over the road will be made to pay fine and asked to repair the road. Those found washing vehicles on the road or letting the water flow on the road will have to pay Nu 1,000 penalty.

Also, the thromde will erect signboards to inform and educate the people.

One of the leading causes that damage our roads is water and drainage problem. Wastewater from buildings above the road eats sections of road creating potholes. This poses serious risks to drivers and the public, especially to schoolchildren going to and from school.

It will be a huge challenge for the road inspectors to monitor who is doing what and where. That’s why people need to be cooperative and act responsibly. There is an urgent need to educate our people. Potholed roads are dangerous and will lead to accidents. We need to make our roads less hazardous.