…Hopes to restore connectivity to community’s cut-off by the receding monsoons
KINZANG DORJI TSHERING | Thimphu
In a swift response to the urgent need for connectivity and emergency access, a temporary bridge has been constructed in Dorokha Gewog, Samtse, after transport routes were disrupted.
The new bridge serves as a crucial link for residents who had been struggling with mobility challenges, particularly those needing access to essential services, markets, and emergency routes.
The decision to opt for a temporary bridge instead of a permanent one was driven by the immediacy of the situation. Local resident Shyam Lal Limbu, who has been closely observing the development, said that the structure was built out of necessity to restore access without delay.
“A temporary bridge had to be constructed immediately to bypass the essential route to the Gewog and for emergency purposes,” said Shyam Lal Limbu.
The bridge, which was completed in a short span of time, has already begun easing the travel burden faced by residents. For the people of Dorokha, especially those living in remote pockets, it has become a lifeline.
However, the structure is designed for seasonal use only. “The temporary bridge will be used only during the winter season and not in summer,” said Shyam Lal Limbu. “During the monsoon, the water levels rise, and the risks become too high.”
What makes this project particularly noteworthy is the spirit of volunteerism behind it. According to Shyam Lal Limbu, the construction was undertaken entirely by volunteers, without any allocated government budget.
“The temporary bridge has been constructed solely on a volunteer basis. As far as I know, the government has not allocated any budget for this project,” said Shyam Lal Limbu, highlighting the strong sense of community ownership and cooperation that made the project possible.
Due to the urgency, certain formal processes such as environmental and community impact assessments were not carried out prior to construction.
“I guess there was no time for all this process as it was constructed in emergency,” said Shyam Lal Limbu, noting that the primary focus was to restore connectivity as quickly as possible.
When asked about plans for a permanent bridge, Shyam Lal Limbu said that the local people were not yet informed of a confirmed timeline.
“We are not sure about it as laymen. I’m sure that the administration has been following up about it,” said Shyam Lal Limbu. Residents are hopeful that the authorities will soon prioritize a durable, long-term solution to ensure year-round access and safety.
While the temporary bridge currently serves its purpose, questions remain regarding its durability and safety, especially as the summer season approaches.
Locals have expressed cautious optimism, trusting that the structure will be strong enough to serve through the dry months.
At the same time, they hope that the government will step in to construct a permanent bridge before the next monsoon.
For now, the bridge stands as a symbol of community resilience and cooperation in Dorokha. It underscores how collective effort can bring about immediate change even in challenging circumstances.
But in the long term, residents believe that sustainable infrastructure support and proactive government intervention will be essential to ensure that Dorokha’s connectivity challenges are resolved permanently.
As the winter approaches and the temporary bridge continue to serve its purpose, it represents both the strength of community unity and a reminder of the urgent need for durable infrastructure in Bhutan’s rural regions.
The story of Dorokha’s bridge is one of determination, solidarity, and the enduring spirit of the people who refused to let isolation stand in their way.
