The year 2008 is a very special year for the people of Bhutan, when the people democratically elected a new government in March, followed by the Crowning of His Majesty the 5th King of Bhutan and then the Celebration of 100 years of Monarchy on 17 December.
With a slogan of “Together in Celebration” Helvetas Coordination Office, Bhutan took the opportunity with the support of Headquarter in Zurich to exhibit trail bridge buildings in Bhutan as a Swiss-Bhutan cooperation in improving the rural accessibility. The timing of the exhibition was chosen during a Theme “Bridging with the World” which was found to be most appropriate. The photographs displayed at the exhibition were those of Mr. Christoph Frei and Ms. Marie-The Roux from the construction and completion of Illgraben Bridge in Wallis, Switzerland, thus making their dreams come true. The Illgraben bridge was constructed with the technical assistance of an engineer from the Suspension Bridge Section of the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement, Bhutan. In addition to the photo’s from Illgraben, there were displays of other trail bridges constructed in Bhutan including the wooden cantilever bridges built in the traditional styles and technology. A model of wooden cantilever bridge and a suspended bridge which had a continuous running water was also displayed. The exhibition received a total of 2700 plus visitors during the period 20-26 November 2008 which makes the exhibition a successful event.
