Chimi Dema | Dagana 

The construction of the Dagapela-Dalbari secondary national highway in Dagana, which was expected to be completed by mid of this year, is likely to extend until December, according to project officials.

This is because the construction of three bridges, each at Nirkhola and Sisithangkhola under Lhamoidzingkha and one at Samerchhu under Tsendagang gewog could take longer mainly due to the monsoon.

The project coordinator, Pema Thinley said that work progress is also impeded by the rising level of rivers. “Currently, bridge abutments are being constructed but decking would take time as monsoon is on now,” he said.

Of the 80.58km road between Lhamoidzingkha and Geserling, only 6km is left to be blacktopped. “We will resume the work once the monsoon ends.”

Pema Thinley said that vehicles for emergencies between the drungkhag and the dzongkhag are being permitted to use the road although the construction work is incomplete. The road, which passes through Tsendagang, Goshi, Dorona, Gesarling, and Karmaling gewogs in Dagana is benefiting the residents.

Of the project’s three packages, package A was completed in November 2018 and package C-2 in November 2019.

The Netherlands’ facility for infrastructure development and the government are funding the Nu 1.4 billion project.

Edited by Tshering Palden