It was an honor and a privilege
to engage with nearly all Local Government (LG) officials during the training
on the Farm Road Maintenance Manual, 2023 developed by the Department of Surface
Transport. The training was conducted across various regions, starting with the
western districts, followed by the southern and eastern regions. Participants
included all those involved in farm road maintenance—village Tshogpas, Gups,
Mangmis, Geog and Dzongkhag Engineers, and even senior officials such as
Dzongrabs and Drungpas. In certain cases, Geog Administrative Officers
represented their respective Geogs. This ensured that the intended target
group, for whom the manual was designed as a technical and advisory tool, was
successfully reached.
Delivering the training was
physically demanding, requiring long hours of standing and explaining the
significance of farm road maintenance. However, the accomplishment lies in
equipping LG officials with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively
manage and maintain these crucial roads.
Beyond sharing knowledge, the
training also provided me with valuable insights into the real, grassroots
challenges faced in farm road maintenance. It reinforced the fact that much
remains to be done to achieve the shared objective of keeping these roads in
good condition. Well-maintained farm roads ultimately contribute to the
socio-economic development of our communities, ensuring better accessibility
and connectivity.
A well-functioning farm road network will also play a crucial role in supporting the Gelephu Mindfulness City, facilitating the transportation of local produce and fostering collective growth at individual, community, and national levels. This highlights the importance of farm roads and the timeliness of the training.
 |
| Lhuentse, Trashigang & Bumthang Dzongkhag |
Key Takeaways from the Training
- Mindset of Local Leaders and Political Influence
It was surprising to hear some local leaders express regret that the training came too late, as they only had one to two years left in their term. However, the duration of their tenure should not be the focus—what truly matters is that everyone involved in farm road maintenance understands its importance and best practices. Local leaders, past and present, should take ownership of farm roads as custodians of their communities. The mindset of local leaders significantly impacts grassroots development, governance, and public welfare.
- Need for Minimum Educational Qualifications for Local Leaders
With decentralization embedded in
the Constitution, ensuring that local leaders meet a minimum educational
requirement has become essential. Given their role in planning, budgeting, and
implementing numerous developmental activities, it would be beneficial to
mandate at least a Class 12 or Bachelor’s degree qualification. This would not
only improve efficiency but also enhance the execution of plans and priorities
within local governance. Leaders with a strong educational background are more likely
to foster inclusive, transparent, and development-focused governance, driving
sustainable progress. In contrast, those with a short-term or self-serving
approach may hinder long-term community welfare.
 |
| Pema Gatshel & Samdrup Jongkhag Dzongkhag |
- Budget Constraints and Financial Challenges
- Inadequate budgeting and budget constraints limit the effective execution of FR projects.
- Non-uniform budget allocations create disparities in project implementation.
- Low priority for maintenance activities leads to rapid road deterioration.
- The rigidity of budget allocation guidelines restricts flexibility in addressing urgent needs.
- Lack of Ownership & Ineffective Road User Groups (RUGs)
- Weak community and institutional ownership lead to poor maintenance of roads.
- Ineffective or absent RUGs reduce local participation in road upkeep.
- The lack of incentives for RUGs affects their engagement in maintenance work.
- Drainage Issues & Climate Change Effects
- Inadequate or poorly designed cross-drainages cause waterlogging and accelerate road deterioration.
- Heavy rainfall and extreme weather events worsen the impact of poor drainage.
- Climate-resilient features are not adequately incorporated in road construction.
 |
| Dagana, Tsirang & Samtse Dzongkhag |
- Geographical & Terrain Challenges
- Rugged and difficult terrain makes Farm Road construction and maintenance challenging.
- Many Farm Roads exceed the permissible design gradient, leading to faster deterioration.
- Some roads pass through marshy locations, requiring special engineering solutions.
- Land Acquisition & Social Clearance Issues
- Delays in obtaining social clearance hinder timely project execution.
- Compensation issues arise when Farm Road alignment passes through private lands.
- Public grievances related to land acquisition impact project acceptance.
 |
| Paro, Haa, Chukha & Thimphu Dzongkhag |
- Procurement & Machinery Availability Challenges
- Machinery required for road construction and maintenance is often unavailable during critical times.
- Centralized procurement processes at the Dzongkhag level delay machinery allocation.
- Disparities in hiring rates for equipment create inconsistencies in restoration works execution.
- Lack of Technical Expertise & Skilled Personnel
- Local government officials often lack the technical expertise needed for road construction and maintenance.
- Shortages of engineers and technical personnel affect project planning and execution.
- Limited contract management and administration skills lead to inefficiencies.
 |
| Punakha, Gasa, Sarpang, Wangdue Dzongkhag |
- Planning & Monitoring Deficiencies
- Inadequate feasibility studies result in inefficient road alignments and resource utilization.
- A lack of proper monitoring leads to substandard construction quality.
- Poor coordination between local government and technical personnel delays decision-making.
- Bureaucratic & Administrative Challenges
- Lengthy procurement processes cause delays in project implementation.
- A rigid reporting hierarchy for monsoon damage slows down repair works.
- Political interference sometimes affects the prioritization of FR projects.
 |
| Participants sharing issues & challenges |
- Poor Quality of Construction & Maintenance
- Improper design specifications and poor construction quality reduce the lifespan of Farm Roads.
- Lack of adherence to design standards and construction guidelines leads to frequent road failures.
- Coordination issues in constructing different pavement layers result in uneven road surfaces.
- Mismatch between Policies & Ground Realities
- Existing policies and design standards do not always align with practical field conditions.
- Localized challenges require more flexible approaches, which are often restricted by rigid policies.
- The gap between public expectations and policy priorities causes dissatisfaction.
 |
| Conveying my messages |
