Next time you visit Haa, you will be in for a surprise. For nearly 30 years, there have been only two workshops to choose from. But that is set to change, as the workshops move to a new site in Tshilongkha, five kilometres from town.
The clanking of metal and sounds of repair work have long been familiar in the heart of Haa town, where automobile workshops have served the district’s nearly 3,000 households.
However, the workshops are expected to move out of the town centre to Tshilongkha, as the area is designated for Cottage and Small Industries under the Haa Local Area Plan 2018.
The plan also requires automobile workshops to be located at least three kilometres away from the town.
The relocation is expected to bring changes to the existing workshop area in Haa town, which has remained a key location for vehicle repairs and maintenance.
At the new site in Tshilongkha, some workshop operators have already started setting up their businesses, with several structures now complete.
There will be 13 of them. The relocation was first discussed in 2020. And one year later, the district chose this place. Spanning little more than four acres, this new area is expected to include space for automobile workshops, car washing and fabrication. The district says the dedicated site will reduce congestion, noise and pollution in Haa town while providing a more organised space for automobile businesses by October.
It means the two existing workshops have just two months before competition heats up in Haa’s small market.
“Our operations have already been affected by the added distance, and the addition of more workshops has further impacted our profits. At this point, we cannot expect profit. If we decide not to continue, it would mean giving up the work we have been doing all our lives, for almost 30 to 40 years. We raised our children through this work, and it is the only livelihood we know. However, we have to follow the government’s advice,” said Tsagay, Thinley Autoworkshop, Haa.
“It will be inconvenient for both the workshop and vehicle owners. Haa already has very few vehicles, so that the distance could affect business. We respect the decision and have started construction. However, our concern is flooding, and we hope the district provides adequate flood protection in the area,” said Samba, Samba Automobile Workshop, Haa.
The engineering sector says that, so far, a flood management plan has found no immediate threat to the site due to existing protective structures. However, they will continue working with relevant agencies on longer-term flood mitigation measures.
As Haa prepares for a more organised automobile hub, the challenge now is whether the town’s small market can support more workshops.
Karma Samten Wangda, Haa
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
