𝐁𝐣𝐢 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐𝟓 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬

…𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔

By Kezang Choden

In an effort to preserve traditional infrastructure and improve community facilities, Bji Gewog in Haa Dzongkhag has recently completed the construction of a traditional wooden bridge under Gyensa-Tokay Chiwog, along with reservoir tanks at Jamtay Goenpa under Talung Chiwog and Yangthang Goenpa under Yangthang Chiwog.

The wooden bridge spans a local stream in Gyensa-Tokay and is expected to benefit 125 households-45 from Gyensa-Tokay Chiwog and 80 from Talung Chiwog. It will provide safer and more convenient access for villagers, especially during the monsoon season when water levels rise and crossing the stream becomes difficult.

According to gewog officials, the bridge was constructed using locally sourced wood to reduce costs amid budget constraints. The total construction cost was Nu. 180,000, funded through the gewog’s disaster management budget. Wooden bridges traditionally last around 10 to 11 years, and the new bridge is expected to serve the community for a similar period if properly maintained.

Besides preserving the country’s cultural identity, the use of traditional wooden architecture reflects the community’s commitment to sustainable development by using local resources. The bridge connects two chiwogs and strengthens community resilience by ensuring year-round access to services and facilities.

Alongside the bridge, reservoir tanks were built at Jamtay Goenpa and Yangthang Goenpa to improve water storage and distribution, particularly during dry seasons. The gewog administration plans to support similar community projects in the future, depending on budget availability and public needs.

To address water scarcity in Bji Gewog, the administration constructed the reservoir tanks to improve supply for residents. Gup Passang shared that several chiwogs have faced acute water shortages, especially during the dry season, affecting daily life and agriculture. “The reservoir tank was built to help solve the ongoing water shortage in our gewog. It will support both drinking water and irrigation needs, benefiting the livelihoods of the residents,” he said. The initiative aims to ease water distribution challenges and reduce dependence on distant sources.

The traditional wooden bridge also improves connectivity between chiwogs. Residents who previously faced difficulties crossing the stream during monsoon seasons can now travel safely and more conveniently. “This wooden bridge will serve as a reliable route, especially during summer when the river swells. It will ensure that residents can travel to the gewog office or nearby settlements at any time without delay,” Gup Passang said. He added that the bridge ensures essential services remain accessible even during heavy rainfall. The bridge also allows easier access to religious sites such as Jamtay Goenpa and Yangthang Goenpa, enhancing the spiritual and cultural ties of the communities.

Sonam, a resident of Gyensa-Tokay Chiwog, said the bridge is a significant improvement for both Gyensa-Tokay and Talung chiwogs. He explained that it has made travel safer and more convenient year-round, including during the monsoon. The bridge supports residents’ daily livelihoods, enabling farmers to transport dried pine leaves for livestock bedding and fodder. It also allows easier movement of animal feed and other essentials needed for farming and domestic purposes. Sonam added that the bridge serves as an important link to the gewog administration office, helping people attend meetings, access public services, and complete important tasks without delay. Residents believe the bridge has improved mobility and strengthened their ability to sustain livelihoods.

Choden, another resident of Gyensa-Tokay Chiwog, expressed appreciation for the bridge’s role in easing daily activities, especially in winter when firewood is essential. She explained that the bridge makes it more convenient for villagers to carry firewood from nearby forests without relying on vehicles. “If we had to hire vehicles to transport firewood, it would add to our expenses. Now we can carry it ourselves using the bridge, which saves both time and money,” she said. Firewood remains vital for heating and cooking during the harsh winter, and the bridge provides a safe, direct connection between the chiwogs, improving access for daily necessities. For families like Choden’s, the bridge represents relief from economic burden and improved resilience during winter.

Gup Passang and Sonam highlighted the bridge’s significance in supporting local livelihoods and tourism. Bji Gewog is home to several sacred sites that attract local and international tourists. With more visitors, some residents have started village homestays and traditional hot stone baths to promote self-sufficiency and strengthen the local economy. The bridge is important infrastructure that improves access to these sacred places. It is expected to benefit not only residents but also hikers and pilgrims using trails to goenpas in the dzongkhag. According to the Gup, improved access will encourage more visitors and allow communities to showcase their culture and traditions while generating income through tourism-related services.

Both Passang and Sonam emphasized that although the bridge is made of wood, its durability depends on how it is maintained and respected by the community. “Even if it is wooden, it can serve us for a long time if we take care of it properly and use it responsibly,” they said. With the monsoon season approaching, the bridge will ensure safe and continuous travel for residents, which is important for reaching the gewog office and transporting essential goods. The construction of this traditional-style bridge reflects the community’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage while responding to the growing needs of tourism and daily livelihood in Bji Gewog.