With the November deadline coming closer the contractor constructing the domestic airport at Bathpalathang in Bumthang says there are some critical additional works to be done, which will require additional time. The department of civil aviation has instructed the contractor to complete the works on time.
Our reporter, Pema Lhaden, says that Bathpalathang is abuzz with the construction works and the workers are working round the clock to finish the work on time. The contractor said additional bull dozers and other machinery are put at the site.
He said that the company has people from SQCA to test the density and compaction. “They said that with this material we might not be able to attain that and for that they advised us to get red soil from outside,” he said, adding that this would require additional money and thus additional work and time. “So this is one major hurdle that we have come across.”
On this issue, the contractor is waiting for some directions from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). “We have approached the DCA for their advice on what to do because we need approval for that because this is an additional work. So until we hear from them we don’t know what to do,” he added.
Additional works like river diversion works and dismantling of bridge have been completed.
The Project Manager of the airport construction, Phuntsho Namgey, reasons that the quality of soil where runway would be built has sands and river boulders. “This, according to the Standard and Quality Control Authority (SQCA), is not advisable,” he said.
