By May next year, the Wangdue Dzong will once again roar to its former glory. More than 90 per cent of the reconstruction work is complete. For now, workers are busy roofing the structures. According to the project, the roofing work will be completed by next month.
Like every sector, the pandemic also affected the reconstruction project. The skilled workers are leaving the project with the private sector paying more. The project currently has about 200 workers, down from about 300 last year.
“It hampers us when our skilled workers leave. We are working even on government holidays except for Sundays so that we complete the work on time. Moreover, we are directly recruiting if skilled workers come here. We need carpenters and painters and we are trying to find some solutions,” said Kinley Wangchuk, the Project Director.
The workers have been busy for about eight years now. The construction is now in the final phase.
The dzong also boasts modern facilities like sliding bearings to prevent any damage from an earthquake. It is installed at the base of the tower. A tunnel is also being constructed for water and other emergencies. But the architectural design remains the same.
About Nu 880 M has been spent on the dzong construction so far. The Rabdey is also busy with the procurement of relics.
Lam Kinley Dorji from the Nangten Procurement Section said about 90 per cent of the relics are ready. “So, we are expecting to get all the relics by June next year,” he said.
Built in 1638 by Zhabdrung, the fortress was razed to the ground by a fire in 2012.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
