The Gol building in Phuentshogling is one of the landmarks of the border town. Built 50 years ago, the building has been home to hundreds of Bhutanese families. But the iconic building, which has been a familiar sight for half a century, will not be there soon.
The National Housing Development Corporation (NHDCL) will dismantle the building for safety reasons. The building does not meet current safety standards.
Currently, it is home to more than 50 families and 20 shops. The news about the demolition had the tenants worried at first, but not anymore.
The NHCDL has already allotted apartments to the Gol buildings tenants to move into.
“We are happy here, but we were told the building is not safe anymore especially if an earthquake occurs,” Sangay Wangmo said.
“NHDCL has allotted us new apartments through luck dip. We are waiting for water and power supply connection. We are very grateful. The apartments are beautiful.”
“The NHDCL MD told us the building is not safe anymore. This left us worried initially because we didn’t know where to go,” Sangay, another tenant, said.
“We are grateful for being allotted flats to move into.”
The demolition of the six-storey building is likely to begin by September or October. The NHDCL will build a new building in its place.
Gol building generates over Nu 8 m in revenue from rents every year.
