Starting
from feasibility study to construction was divisive. Controversies
hindered project by almost three months. Initially people discussed and minuted to
change alignment diverting away from the mandate of having the GC road shortest
possible. Initial construction by Dzongkhag administration diverted it mandates
from the Guidelines and Specifications. The gradient was high enough for vehicles
to ply. Department had to propose for the gradient correction work for 3.18km
length and unluckily certain length of the road pass through private land. Repeated
bulldozing through private land proved injustice. Yet, holistic discussions with land owner and it was a success.
The target
for this fiscal year was 8.10 km. Total length of the road as per feasibility
survey report was 11.32km. 3.18km was already trace cut by Dzongkhag but left
with high gradient and department had to do correction work. Despite public
unfriendly with the construction work, management risked to complete whole
remaining length (8.1km) in this fiscal year.
Road is the
top most priority of the government and people's want and need either. It is
the crucial facility for the development to prosper. Impossibility is guaranteed
to develop far flung villages and communities without road network.
 |
| Gradient correction work through pvt land. |
Everywhere
the concern may be similar. People granted and sign for no objection agreement if
road pass through their private land during the initial stage of feasibility
studies. During construction stage, people aren't happy because they care their
land since it is their livelihood. And this disagreement surfaced at construction
of Shingkhar GC road. It marked as the most controversial road construction in
the history of Department of Roads with frequent media reports in national
level.
Despite hectic
pressure from the public, construction management was a real challenge. It is best to act
holistically considering laws of the land. No one is above law. The last resort
for every disagreement is with laws and the system to decide. Decision taking
is the toughest and pronouncing for advantage of larger interest is best. Never
decide in view of self gain. Lead with laws and every problem will have strict
solutions. Finally few individuals were apprehended.
 |
| Lyonpo Lekey's recent visit to his Gewog connected with road. |
People tense
when the law act. After apprehension, apprehensive thought about project was
ended. Construction progressed well and it is my glory to inform general public
that the construction of Therang - Shingkhar GC road is completed. Yet
additional length of 1.24km to the proposed new gewog centre is under
construction. Hopefully by the beginning of fiscal year 2016 - 2017 it will be
completed.
I applaud
and thank my concern site engineer for the dedicated work and as a team we grow.
