Even after a year and a half since the works commenced, the construction of the football stadium in Samdrup Jongkhar is yet to gain momentum. The stadium was supposed to be ready by May this year. But the pandemic delayed the work progress.
These days, an open veteran football tournament is underway in Samdrup Jongkhar. With the installation of floodlights this year, the matches are being played at night. And this attracts many spectators.
“Irrespective of the weather condition, all the people are crowded in one place. There is a dire need for a comfortable place. It is not really necessary that we should have a place like in Thimphu but at least there should be a comfortable place where we can watch the match,” said Leki Chedra, a resident.
“We are facing inconvenience without a proper stadium,” said Chezang, another resident.
For now, only about 35 per cent of the construction work is completed. The contractor could not meet the deadline due to the pandemic.
However, Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde Administration has provided eight months time extension which is till February next year.
Being constructed at a cost of over Nu 63 M, the stadium is expected to accommodate about 2,000 spectators.
If the construction work completes on time, the spectators can enjoy the game more comfortably from the next monsoon.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
