To promote Tsirang as a sporting hub and attract local and international tourists, the district administration constructed a swimming pool in Damphu town in 2021. However, the facility, worth over Nu 4 M, often remained closed after previous operators gave up their lease early, citing high monthly rental charges and Damphu’s prolonged cold weather that affected the business. But now, there is renewed hope as the district administration leased the pool to a new private operator last month, aiming for a fresh start.
Under the new contract agreement, the private operator will manage the swimming pool for the next fifteen years, paying a monthly rental charge of Nu 15,000.
Major repairing works such as fixing the pool, toilets and lighting have already been completed, along with roofing and repainting of walls.
Construction is also underway for additional new facilities such as a cafeteria, hot stone bath, steam bath, and staff quarters.
According to a written statement from the Tsirang District Administration, these additional facilities are expected to provide extra income for the operator. This, in turn, is anticipated to keep the pool open throughout the year, unlike in the past when it operated only during the summer months.
The private company is investing around Nu 3 M for the renovation works and the development of new facilities at the site.
The district administration told BBS that the monthly rent was negotiated at Nu 15,000. The reduced rate this time considers the current operator’s investment in improving the facility.
Previously, the rent was set at Nu 17,000 per month, which operators found unsustainable.
The rent of the facility when it first opened in 2021 was Nu 40,000.
Despite the ongoing construction at the site, the swimming pool reopened to the public on Thursday following repeated requests from students currently on their summer break.
The new facilities are expected to be completed within the next two months. Once complete, it is expected to create job opportunities for youths as well.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sonam Pem
