Lhakpa Quendren

Samtse—Once envisioned as a model town, Samtse is now grappling with major infrastructure issues that have left its residents disillusioned.

Established in the 1960s, Samtse underwent a major redevelopment initiative starting in 2014, with a smart town project budgeted at Nu 109 million. However, the promised improvements have yet to materialise.

During the rainy season, the town’s inadequate drainage system leads to severe flooding on the roads, particularly along the stretch near the Hindu temple.

Residents said that the drains, clogged with waste and overgrown with weeds, exacerbate the problem.

“The drainage system has been problematic for a long time,” said a local restaurateur. “We rely on temporary measures to keep rainwater out of our shops.”

Large volumes of rainwater overflow the drains in Samtse town

Parents are particularly concerned about the safety of their children due to the large, uncovered drains. “These drains pose a serious risk to children,” one parent stated. “The municipality needs to address this issue immediately.”

Adding to the town’s troubles, a recently blacktopped road is already plagued with potholes.

A local resident criticised the lack of oversight from the dzongkhag engineering sector. “The quality of the roadwork is consistently poor, and there is no follow-up to ensure it meets standards,” the resident said.

Samtse residents are also dismayed by the slow progress on the Choeten construction at the town center, where the site of the former Sunday market remains muddy and dusty.

In addition, the bush overgrowth is encroaching on footpaths between the Tashicholing road junction and Samtse General Hospital, and the town’s flower gardens are neglected and littered with waste.

“We see neighbouring towns like Sarpang and Tsirang making strides in their development,” another resident said. “Without similar efforts from our administration, Samtse will continue to struggle.”

Residents have expressed frustration over the dzongkhag administration’s focus on organising football tournaments rather than addressing critical development issues.

The town also faces a persistent drinking water shortage since the well pump at the Dhamdum water source broke a year ago.

“The water shortage becomes severe in winter, forcing some of us to fetch water from the river,” a landlord reported.

Despite numerous complaints to dzongkhag officials through the ‘Samtse Information Group,’ residents feel their concerns are ignored. “In a small community like ours, people are hesitant to voice complaints for fear of repercussions,” one resident added.