The construction sector is growing at a snail’s pace amid the pandemic with most of the work on the important government projects and the construction of the private houses delayed due to foreign workers leaving the country, lack of skilled workers in the country and cost escalation.
According to the director of the Construction Development Board (CDB), 30,000 to 40,000 foreign workers left the country after the pandemic which has created a huge gap in the construction sectors. Most constructions of the houses are left incomplete.
“Many private building constructions are on halt because these works are also being carried out by the foreign workers and they left the country. Because of the current situation, there is an escalation of cost due to the high cost of labour and an increase in the cost of materials. Especially for government projects, now fewer bidders turn out and then bidders quote high about 30 to 35% from the government’s estimate,’’ said PhubTashi, the Director of CDB.
However, the director also added that it is an opportunity for the laid-off Bhutanese employees to take up an interest in construction works. The government also initiated the Build Bhutan Project in July last year as an alternative to create employment opportunities and to retain the workforce in the construction sector.
Meanwhile, some house owners are still pinning their hopes on importing foreign workers to complete their constructions. But for now, without foreign workers and Bhutanese workers charging high, they are worried about construction materials going to waste which will lead to cost addition.
In Thimphu alone, there are six government projects and more than 100 private construction on halt as of now.
Kelzang Choden
