What have we learned from Japan's Grant Aid Bridge Project? What have we learned for the past 25 years has gone merely by mystery and we have just learnt to fail ourselves?
Travelling by Tsirang-Wangdue highway for some years now has become more of a distraction than enjoying the journey. As much as the roads are narrow and in bad shape with potholes, I was quite bothered by the Nyara-chu Bridge at Tak-sha becoming ugly with potholes and bruises.
The poor road conditions on the right bank has led to spreading of potholes and other roadside damages. In such conditions, it won't take long to damage the remaining bridge road. In this case, do we have the expertise and knowledge and commitment to redo like the Japanese fine hand.
It gives me some awful memories. Not long ago, this river used to pose a huge risk for travelers having to pass through a scary bridge. Much to our relief, JICA has come as a blessing. But it looks like the pain is long forgotten.
This is too much for the people who have travelled miles to help us wholeheartedly.
Few days back I took refuge near this bridge. The bridge is an exceptional engineering marvel in the valley. It's truly a magical Japanese gift to our nation. As the foundation of the Nyara bridge stands firm in the valley, so is its beauty. Nothing can be compared in the valley as finest as the bridge. This bridge resembles the true strength of the Japanese hand and mind, and more importantly, the discipline of nation building.
However, it is sad to see the side drains are almost disappearing and many bruises have already formed, some are old and few are fresh. Nonetheless, the most concerning was the massive potholes spreading across the bridge. Nothing can fall but the Japanese workmanship!
There is nothing more shameful for GNH people than this unbecoming.
More recently, the farm road diversion from the left bank has also added to the wound. It is not the first of such activities. In such a state of nation, sooner than expected, this bridge would soon become a disaster.
Why I am so obsessed is with our manners. The poor manners of nation building. If we do not take care, who else will. We are the ultimate custodian of the land. Our collective effort can go a long way in lifting this nation from beggars to greatness.
I have profound respect for the Japanese people for being so good and kind for helping us in our development pursuit. I always make time to stop by and see all the beautiful DNC bridges. Perhaps, stopping and seeing work of great quality and beauty makes my day.
When all the bridges are gone, and the good times are forgotten, we do not have any evidence to show to the world that there once existed a beautiful Japanese bridge over our rivers. And we haven't learnt anything, but to sit and watch easy foreign aids come flying.
One thing is so sure that we have missed the art of making bridges like Japan. In their brilliance, if we have been serious in nation building, by this time we must have something of our own -quality and beautiful Bhutanese made bridges on our rivers!
I am among many Bhutanese who deeply admire Japanese work that is driven by absolute quality and beauty. What I also like is how they fashion concrete work and forge metal pieces to give true beauty and work perfection. Perhaps, landscaping and finishing touches are beyond comparison. There are dozens of such quality bridges across our rivers making our travel ultra-safe and fun.
Nevertheless for the past 25 years, we have been stupid, so stupid, damn stupid. We haven't learnt anything, but to be so dependent on the foreign help.
It is my hope that someday, we will be able to construct our own bridge as strong and beautiful and Bhutanese as the Japanese Bridge.
Declaimer: The article is the author's own feelings and does not intend to harm any organization, or individual. It is for future references.
Some random images of Nyarachu Bridge
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