People are still waiting for the completion of fuel stations at Doksum in Trashi Yangtse and Kanglung in Trashigang. The constructions that started in 2020 and 2019 respectively have yet to complete. Without a fuel station, people have to make round trips of over 40 kilometres just to refuel their cars.
With six gewogs and the potential increase in population and vehicle numbers expected from the Kholongchu hydropower project, the fuel depots are expected to benefit residents and travellers.
However, the delay in the completion of the facilities has left the residents unhappy.
“Without a fuel station here, we have to either travel to Trashigang or Trashi Yangtse to refuel our cars. As a taxi driver, I have to refuel based on where I pick up passengers from. If we have a fuel station here, it would benefit not just taxis but also private vehicle owners,” said Sorji Wangchuk, a taxi driver from Doksum.
“We drive to Trashigang to refuel our cars, consuming around five litres on the way. It would be of great help if they start the service here. Sometimes, I end up buying from the shops here in Trashigang at double the price,” said Tashi Wangdi, a resident of Kanglung.
According to the general manager of Druk Petroleum Corporation Limited, nearly 90 per cent of works are completed with only a few internal works remaining.
With COVID-19 restrictions having caused some delays, the depots are expected to be commissioned either this month or the mid of next month.
The fuel depots are being constructed at a cost of more than Nu 3.6 M.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam Pem
