The laying of concrete pavement around the roundabout near the old YDF centre in Phuentshogling Thromde has brought relief to residents after years of enduring pothole-ridden roads. However, the work remains unfinished even after the completion date is over. This is because the contractor was asked to redo some portion of the project due to quality issues. This delay has left the business nearby unhappy.
The road has been in poor condition for years. Thromde’s efforts to maintain the road proved unsuccessful, as the road, originally designed for light vehicles, is being used by trucks carrying heavy loads. Therefore, the thromde administration decided to concrete over the road. Given the long setting and curing time of up to a month needed for the concrete road, and place being a congestion point, diverting traffic has been challenging.
The rework on the road has further affected businesses in Toorsa, near the roundabout. According to local business owners, their business has dropped by about 80 per cent since the work began. The work started at the end of February this year.
“Our cement trucks have to ply this road. It has been more than four months that we have not been able to sell cement. We have to pay rent and salary to our staff. It has badly affected our businesses,” said Nado, a businessman.
“It has been about five months and they are not doing the work efficiently. Our businesses are hit hard and soon, we will have to file taxes. How can we do that with no income?,” said Dawa Penjor, who is also a businessman.
“I have a restaurant near the workshops. The drivers are my main customers, and now when they cannot come to the workshops, we also don’t have customers. It has impacted our businesses severely,” said Dorji Wangchuk, another businessman.
Residents said although there is an alternative route, it can hardly be used, especially during rainy conditions.
The thromde office is looking for temporary measures to solve the issue after the residents approached it.
Meanwhile, the contractor said besides diverting traffic being a major challenge, heavy rain in the last few weeks has badly affected his work quality and progress. However, he said he will ensure that the work is handed over with quality.
The road is being built at a cost of over Nu 8.9 M. It was supposed to be completed last week.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Kipchu
