Had it not been the pandemic, the construction of fuel depot at Jachung near Autsho in Lhuentse would have been completed almost two years back. And it would be up and running, catering to the demands of the people. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, works are incomplete and hence not fully operational.
The construction of the fuel station began in the Autumn of 2019, a year after the temporary depot was gutted by a fire.
A little over two years have passed since the construction started. But to date, a fuel canopy, an office, and underground tanks are complete. Fixing fuel dispenser or pumping machine and digital metre, and some underground electric works are pending for completion.
Without these facilities, cars are being refuelled manually from the barrel. This practice is causing inconveniences to the drivers. That aside, the fuel often runs out of stock.
“It is problematic firstly to dispense the fuel from the barrel to the jerry can and then refill the car. We also don’t get fuel sometimes. It has been about two years since the canopy was constructed,” said Chimi Dorji, a resident from Tsaenkhar Gewog.
Like him, another resident from Autsho, Tsheringla, said, “We don’t get petrol but we would be grateful if we can get uninterrupted diesel service every day. We would be thankful if we can get continuous fuel service all the time.”
The staff at the depot echoed similar concerns.
“It is challenging when many vehicles come for a refill because we have to first measure the fuel and then pour fuel in jerry can from the barrel. That way, we cannot get the accurate quantity of the fuel. So, if we have the machine at the earliest, it would be of huge benefit to us as well as the customers,” said Palden Jamtsho, the staff of Jachung Fuel Depot in Autsho.
Meanwhile, people raise other issues as such not getting petrol fuel and sporadic LPG supply. The depot clarified that since petrol is highly hazardous, it will be provided once the depot is well equipped with all the required facilities.
For now, only diesel is being sold to the customers. The regional office of the economic affairs ministry in Monggar also said irregular supply of diesel and LPG at the depot is not true.
The office commented that works such as installing underground electrical equipment were delayed since they could not bring in expatriate workers.
Despite the shortcomings, works are expected to resume as soon as the COVID situation in the country improves.
The depot is the most used public facility by people of Autsho, Tsaenkhar Gewog and other neighbouring places.
Sonam Tshering, Monggar
Edited by Pema Lhaden
