Connectivity: The people of six villages of Sampheling gewog in Chukha look forward to the completion of the construction of a bailey bridge over the Singyechhu in Pasakha.

Construction of the 70-foot motorable bridge began a week ago.

Once the bridge construction is completed, people living in more than 120 households will not have to use the temporary bamboo bridge. It also means that people will not have to pay to use a temporary bridge on the Indian side every summer. They currently pay between Nu 5-10 to use the bridge each time.

People say they have to resort to using bridges in India since the river on the Indian side is not that risky. “The river flows wide,” a villager, Asman Limbu, said. “That is why a bridge is built there.”

Asman Limbu said that crossing the Singyechhu during the summer is impossible and bears huge risks.

Without the bridge, summer is difficult for students. Villagers also have a tough time during medical emergencies. It is also not easy for people to bring their agricultural and dairy products for sale in Pasakha.

Kothiline tshogpa Arjun Chhetri said that many students studying at the Chumigthang Middle Secondary School rented houses in Alley.

“All such problems will be solved once the bridge is complete,” the tshogpa said. “This bridge will be a blessing.”

Arjun Chhetri also said that Singyechhu had washed away few villagers in the past.

Sampheling Gup Mani Kumar Rai said that the bridge is a very important development. “It will help people in many ways,” the gup said.

The government is funding the bailey bridge at a cost of Nu 6 million.

Rajesh Rai, Phuentsholing