Gelephu was supposed to have an integrated vegetable shed by the beginning of this year. But today, even after close to one and a half years, the shed is yet to take shape. According to the contractor, the pandemic and several lockdowns hampered the progress.
The work to construct the vegetable shed started in February last year. It was supposed to be complete in a year. But the contractor failed to complete it on time and the contract duration was extended till this month.
However, without much progress, the Thromde again extended the deadline to September.
According to the contractor, as of now, only about 60 per cent of the work is complete. The contractor said heavy rainfall is hampering the progress and he is worried that he might miss the deadline again.
“From our side, we extended the deadline and we hope that the contractor can complete the work within the given period. The construction sector was affected by the pandemic throughout the country. The price of the materials has increased and it is difficult to get labourers,” said Tshering Norbu, Gelephu Thrompon.
Today, vendors use tarpaulin sheets to protect the vegetables from the rain and the sun.
“Rain seeps through the shed. And the area lacks enough parking space. With the completion of the new parking space and vegetable shed, it will benefit us,” said Dechen Wangmo, a vegetable vendor.
“It is inconvenient to store the vegetables here. We are worried that the rain will damage the products. The new vegetable shed will benefit us,” said Deoki Maya Rai, another vendor.
Once complete, the new two-storied shed will look like the Centenary Farmers Market in Thimphu. The government of India is funding the Nu 44 M construction.
Until the new vegetable shed is ready, vendors will have to continue to use the old shed which was constructed some decades ago.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Tshering Zam
