One landmark that is difficult to miss in Phuentshogling is the Gol Building. With its round design and mammoth of a structure, it is perhaps one of the oldest buildings in the town. It has 87 units, including 21 commercial.
But the building, constructed sometime in the late ‘50s, is starting to show signs of aging. The building’s wall is covered with moss; filled with water. Four additional floors were added onto the two, as the years went by. It had begun as a two-storied building.
Many residents are saying the building is a catastrophe waiting to happen if a natural disaster, such as earthquake, is to strike.
Of the two entry and exit points of the building, only one remains open because of security reasons.
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The residents of 66 flats have only two narrow staircases to go up and down their homes.
“The steps are small and people can trip over each other. They should make the staircases a little bigger,” said Sangay Thinley, a former resident.
Others say it is difficult to get out as there as so many people living in the building.
The Department of Disaster Management recently visited and conducted a mock drill to prepare the residents in times of natural disasters.
“If there is a disaster, like an earthquake or fire, there is a huge chance that people can get hurt because of a stampede. That’s why preparation is important,” said Pema Thinley of Department of Disaster Management.
The Gol Building has been under the National Housing and Development Corporation since 2012.
NHDCL’s Liaison Officer, Tendup Lepcha said the building’s plumbing system is as old as the building. “We did conduct some maintenance work before last year. But there still leakages in bathrooms and toilets. We are planning, to study the matter thoroughly and conduct some major maintenance works in the future.”
The study and maintenance of the Gol building is expected to take place sometime next year.
