Let’s build better roads The arrival of monsoon has opened the floodgates for problems like blocked drains, floods and the frequent roadblocks all over the country. With every monsoon, let alone the farm roads the national highways are also repeatedly getting blocked. For the people caught in the roadblocks situation, no matter how important their purpose of the journey, they have to wait for the roads department and other relevant agencies to clear the block. Some travelers land up even quarreling with roads officials coaxing them to open the roads for traffic. In the face of severe slides, there is only so much the officials can do. For years, we have seen this process repeat each year even claiming lives of commuters. I would like to urge the agencies and ministries concerned to build roads with quality such as looking […]
Of swimming risk, child abuse, stray dog adoption, leaking water pipes and women in sports
Refrain from swimming in the river The recent incident of a young man who drowned while swimming in Wangchu at the Tango- Cheri base is disheartening. I have noticed people still picnicking and swimming in the river at the popular picnic spot in Thimphu. Maybe they are not aware of the recent incident or the risks of swimming at this time of the year. Authorities concerned should do something about it. Maybe, we need to put up a board asking people to refrain from swimming in the river because going by the number of people visiting the site and still seen swimming after the tragic incident, it seems they are not aware of the dangers. Pema Thimphu (Published on July 9, 2018) Protect our children It was very sad to know that three children were sexually abused over the years […]
On motorist awareness, sexual harassment, stray dog menace and ACC investigation of Loden Foundation
Speed breakers and awareness on zebra crossing needed in Kanglung This is to express my concern over the growing number of pedestrian and vehicles plying in Kanglung. There are paths along the road for the pedestrians. I am thankful to traffic police for monitoring the traffic especially during events like the chancellor’s cup. The problem is, some drivers are speeding in the absence of traffic police and many more do not adhere to the zebra crossing rules. This is a concern for pedestrians and is becoming extremely dangerous especially for the students. Places with zebra crossing such as Kanglung primary school, Kanglung Shedra, way to Dantak area but most drivers are reluctant to comply with the traffic rules. There are also cases where some students were nearly hit by car. Many people also have to use the main road to […]
Water shortage, dog bites, alternate roofing suggestions and Dzongkha spellings
Water shortage – whose responsibility? I express my appreciation to Kuensel for covering many stories on the acute shortage of drinking and irrigation water all over the country. But is the government paying enough attention? I am frustrated that the 12th Plan gives more attention to building helipads in each Gewog than improving drinking and irrigation water. The helicopter services may be required once or twice or not at all during the entire year but we need clean and safe drinking water every day if we are to care for our health and hygiene. We need irrigation water all the year round if we want our rural folks to grow sufficient food to feed ourselves. Why is it so difficult to understand and prioritise our needs? I wish Thimphu Thromdue can reduce drinking water supply to the ministerial enclave to […]