Months after the flash floods in October last year, several communities continue to struggle with poor access. One of them is Bongo Gewog’s Bai Kunzang Chiwog in Chhukha. The remote community has been cut off since swollen rivers washed away a vital bridge over the Getanachhu. The loss of the bridge has severely disrupted daily life and livelihoods.
Bai Kunzang Chiwog is one of the most remote settlements in Bongo Gewog. Reaching the village requires travelling through the Raidak check post, entering Dagana district and then travelling along a farm road from Tsham-Zhi-Gosa, commonly known as Devitar.
However, flash floods in October last year completely washed away the bridge over the Getanachhu, cutting off the only access route to the chiwog. The community remained isolated until residents, with support from the gewog administration, constructed a temporary wooden bridge using logs.
“We did not think that a disaster like this would happen and take away the bridge. Orange is our main source of income, and this time we have not been able to take it to market properly. Had there been the bridge, we would have been able to take the produce to market on time,” said Sonam Dorji, Resident, Bai Kunzang, Bongo Gewog.
“After the bridge was washed away, we faced lots of challenges. We only had this bridge for accessibility. Taking rations and essentials back home has been very challenging,” said Pema Thinley, Resident, Bai Kunzang, Bongo Gewog.
“The bridge used to often get submerged by the swollen river in summer. And last time it was totally washed away. We also have a Ney here; all the statues have also been washed away,” said Dorji, Bai Kunzang Tshogpa, Bongo Gewog.
“People here are dependent on agriculture. Besides the bridge being washed away, the suspension bridge was also affected badly. We are advising people not to use the suspension bridge because it is risky. So, it has been very challenging because one of the main cash crops here is orange. Without a bridge, taking the produce to market has been a challenge, thus affecting their livelihoods,” said Tshering Penjor, Bongo Gup, Chhukha.
Gewog officials said they have submitted reports to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, and officials have visited the site. However, there have been no updates so far.
For now, residents of Bai Kunzang Chiwog continue to wait for better connectivity, pinning their hopes on the upcoming Wangchhu Hydro Power Project.