Change is coming to Narphung town in Samdrup Jongkhar, but not just yet. Although the district administration approved new permanent structures over two years ago, construction will only begin next year. Shopkeepers delayed the work due to financial struggles and deep-rooted cultural beliefs.
Business still takes place from old makeshift shelters in this 50-year-old town. The district administration approved the construction of new houses in November 2022.
About 15 landowners were expected to complete the construction by the end of this year. However, none of them has started the work.
“Everyone says the houses here are old and need major maintenance. We plan to construct next year. We were supposed to begin earlier, but due to Lo Nag – the inauspicious years over the past two years, we could not start the construction,” said Cheki, Landowner, Narphung, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“All the houses here are just huts. If something like a fire breaks out, everything could be destroyed. That’s why building new houses is very important for us,” said Gerchung, another landowner.
“We received approval to construct houses, but due to lo-nag, we could not start the construction work. After the lockdown, people have also started visiting the town,” said Lobzang Dema, also a landowner.
Lonag, which translates to “black year,” is considered inauspicious due to astrological beliefs. As a result, the landowners got an extension to start the construction next year.
Meanwhile, the Gomdar gewog administration has completed a new water supply system to support the town’s future development.
Narphung is an old town, but with the highway running through it, people pass by, whether they want to or not. Now, with development on the horizon, it has a chance to become more than just a stop along the way.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
