When boats make money

boat-Boats in Pantang, Zhemgang can do lucrative business.

Boats are in high demand due to ongoing developmental works like the construction of the Gongphu-Panbang highway and the electrification of Phangkhar and Goshing Gewogs.

Fuel barrels being loaded onto a private boat is common sight in Pantang. The ferryman, Sangay Tshering, does not, however, row his boat. Instead, he holds onto an iron rod stretching across from one side of the Mangdechhu to the other, and uses his hands and body, skilfully, to move the boat.

The boat can carry 25 people at a time, and has a load carrying capacity of 1.5 tonnes.

The boat service was started only six months ago, and within that span of time, it has become an important mode of transportation for the people of Phangkhar and Goshing Gewogs.

The boat has been instrumental in transporting electrical equipment for the electrification of Goshing Gewog. Sangay from Goshing Gewog. had signed the contract to transport the equipment along with a group of friends, and he shares that the boat has been a blessing. The group would have otherwise had to carry the load on their backs and make a journey of at least 4 hours on foot.

The owner of the boat, Rinchen Dorji, usually earns Nu.1,000 per day. The ferryman is paid Nu. 5,000 as salary. Individuals are charged Nu. 20 for a trip, and Nu.40 is charged for a 50 kg load.

Rinchen says business has been good, and that he has been able to construct a house with his earnings from the boat.

But, one wonders if the venture will remain as profitable after the completion of a motorable bridge over the river?

Rinchen says he does not feel threatened by the completion of the bridge as he has been approached by the Tarayana Foundation to make a boat for tourists. With an alternative available, the boat business appears to be here to stay.

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