After a year-long halt, construction of the new Gasa town is set to resume next month. While most of the major infrastructure work has been completed, the sewer network remains unfinished. The project stalled in December 2023 after the contract was terminated due to slow progress and the contractor’s failure to renew the performance security.
The new Gasa town at Kolikha, located about a kilometre away from the existing town is almost ready. Key infrastructure, including internal urban roads, service ducts, storm water drainage, septic tanks, and footpaths, has been completed. However, the sewer network still needs to be installed.
In the latest development, the Gasa town water supply project, funded with an external budget of 84 million ngultrum has already commenced and is expected to be completed by early next year. According to Gasa Dzongda, the sewer network installation will resume next month, while the tendering process for the town’s drainage system is set to begin this financial year.
Originally scheduled for completion in April 2022, the project has faced multiple setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather conditions in the district. The situation worsened when the private contractor handling the project failed to meet performance expectations, leading to contract termination in December 2023.
In June last year, the dzongkhag administration sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) on resolving the matter. Following a review, the OAG registered a case last week with the Gasa District Court to recover outstanding payments from the contractor.
Once the infrastructure development is completed, plot owners will be able to begin constructing their houses. The new Gasa town spans 74 acres and features more than 50 commercial and residential plots.
Changa Dorji, Gasa
Edited by Kipchu
