September 1: Monsoon rains and swelling rivers have become a cause of concern for parents and residents of Tarathang geog in Sarpang who have to cross rivers to get to the nearest school in Umling geog.

Around 25 school children from Tarathang geog walk about two hours every morning to Umling Primary School.

Students residing in Umling have to walk about one hour. They also have to cross the Langar River.

With the Monsoon at its height, walking to school has become difficult and risky. The Langar River lies between Umling and Tarathang geog. It has swollen fed by the relentless rain.

Worried parents now accompany the children and help them cross the river. When school finishes, the parents wait for the students to help them cross the river again.

Nima Tshering, a class five student who lives in Tarathang said at times the river rises so high, it is even difficult for their parents to cross. He said during such times, they have to return to their homes, missing classes.

Some of the students said when they miss their classes, they learn from friends when they reach school the next day. While at home, they help parents with the household chores and sometimes spend some of the time studying.

The students of Tarathang geog say their geog needs a school.

Speaking to BBS, the principal of Umling Primary School said the school has made it mandatory for the parents to sign a register every morning once they reach their children to school. The parents do the same when the classes are over and it is time for them to escort their children home.

The Tarathang Gup Dorji Wangdi said a proposal has been put for a school in Tarathang which he hopes will come through in the 10th FYP.


Swollen Bodhiney river washes away road

Continuous rainfall for the last few weeks in Samtse has led the Bodiney river to swell washing away the diversion road in Bodhiney.

Bodhiney is about two kilometers from Samtse town and connects most of the geogs to Samte proper.

As a result, vehicles and public transport services plying to Samtse remained stranded on Thursday.

However, by Friday morning, the water level decreased and an excavator from the department of road diverted the river allowing the traffic to resume.

Our reporter Sonam Lhamo says the Budhiney River disrupts the road causing difficulties for people of Chengmari, Chargarey, Ugentse, Yoeseltse, Biru, Sibsoo, Tendu and Bara.

Last year, the river washed away parts of the road and a bridge leaving the residents with no choice but to use the diversion road. This, many residents, said is risky especially during the monsoon.

Some of them told BBS that they are still waiting for the Bailey bridge to be restored.

Meanwhile an Executive Engineer from the Department of Roads said that the sub structures have been completed and the restoration works will be complete in the next few weeks.