Vendors in Thimphu have started operating from a few new vegetable markets in identified zones in Thimphu. The Thimphu Thromde is expecting the rest of the mini-markets to be complete towards the end of next month. The Thromde is prioritising the vendors of the Centenary Farmers Market (CFM) while allotting shop spaces in mini vegetable markets across the zones in Thimphu.
“We are giving opportunities to the vendors of the CFM in the first place. We have also received an order from the government to prioritise them. This will go as per the lucky draw we did earlier. However, if they do not want to go in these zones, we will allow those who have submitted applications requesting for spaces,” said Kinlay Dorjee, the Thimphu Thrompon.
Pema Wangyel, who has been selling vegetables at the CFM in Thimphu for the past five years, has recently started operating from one of the new markets. Since he lives in Chang Gidaphu, he has got the new one space shop constructed by the Thromde.
Today, he is happy that he does not have to travel to the CFM every day for his business.
“People are coming but not as much as in CFM. But it must be because the shop has just opened and I hope people will come as they get to know about the shop. However, it is more comfortable here as we have a separate store and toilet. I decided to do business here as my house is here and I can also look after my children. Earlier I had to travel to the CFM early morning and come back only at night,” he said.
Similarly, Phub Dema is also happy about the facilities she has in her new shop in Chang Zeri.
“With my child, it is very convenient here. Here, I have space for my baby to sleep as well. Moreover, it is cleaner here. All that matters is what we keep for sale. If we keep all varieties of good, customers do come,” she said.
The construction works of the mini vegetable markets in the zones began in September last year. There are six such markets in different zones like Taba, Jungshina, Chang Gidaphu, Babesa and one behind Norzin Lam. There are also shops built with one or two shop spaces in different zones. Altogether, there are over a hundred shop spaces.
The Thrompon said the empty spaces at the CFM will be used for another purpose.
“Once people get the spaces in their respective zones, they will have to give back their space in the CFM. These spaces will not be given to another vendor but the government will use for other purposes. One plan is to bring vegetables from other districts there at the CFM for distribution to markets across the zones.”
The markets are being built in the zones to reduce crowd at the CFM thereby reducing the risk of spread of COVID-19.
Kinley Dem
