Most workshop owners at Olakha in Thimphu have cleared scrap materials and other obstructions from areas identified for removal, following a notice from Thimphu Thromde to clear encroachments on state lands. The clearance is part of an infrastructure development project aimed at improving roads and repairing potholes. The project is expected to take about ten months. While workshop owners support the improvements, they are concerned about how the construction could affect their businesses.
At the Olakha workshop area, much of the scrap material and other obstructions identified by Thimphu Thromde have already been cleared.
The Thromde had given landowners and workshop owners until August 7 to remove unauthorised structures and scrap materials, and other obstructions from the area.
The clearance is being carried out ahead of an infrastructure development project expected to take about ten months.
For workshop owners, the changes could improve conditions in an area that has long struggled with poor roads and limited space.
“I think it will benefit us a lot. The roads around the workshop area have deteriorated, with so many pot holes. Customers come here since they have nowhere else to go repair their car. If there were other workshops like this, people would might not choose to come here,” said Ugyen Dorji, Owner, Yangki Automobile Workshop, Thimphu.
However, while owners welcome the improvements, they are also concerned about the impact of the construction on their businesses.
“The project duration is ten months and within that time, if we close down our shops, we won’t be able to pay our rents. We also have to pay our employees on top of the rent. If we do not have any income, how can we pay them? We informed the officials of this and they said that the works will be carried out in phases. They said each section could take around 10 to 15 days, which I think is fair,” said Ugyen Dorji, Owner, Yangki Automobile Workshop, Thimphu.
Following the August 7 deadline, Thimphu Thromde officials will inspect the area to ensure all encroachments have been cleared.
Officials say they will dismantle and remove any structures or materials that have not been removed.
According to the Thromde’s notice, unclaimed vehicles and scrap materials will be disposed of through public auction.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Sonam Pem
