Residents of Nangkor Gewog in Zhemgang are delighted with the construction of a 54 Megawatt hydropower project at Burgang stream in Buli. It means a great deal for a community that hasn’t seen major developmental activities for years. With the commencement of the project comes the opportunity to boost the local economy. The project began last month.
The construction of a hydropower project means access to better public infrastructure for the communities nearby.
Similarly, at the ongoing Burgangchhu Hydropower project, the construction of an 11-km access road towards the powerhouse and the main intake powerhouse is underway.
Besides, the project also presents other opportunities for the residents of Buli, Nyakhar and Tsheldang who otherwise depend on farming as a main source of livelihood.
“Now we can sell our agricultural produce like vegetables, and dairy products like cheese and butter easily. We are very happy. The project is paving roads everywhere,” said Tashi Phuntsho, a resident of Buli.
“I am very excited that such a project is being constructed in our community. I am looking forward to taking up the opportunity to work with the project,” said Rinzin Wangchuk, another resident of Buli.
“We will benefit by providing vehicle hiring service. Moreover, it will create job opportunities for the locals and I feel that will benefit us,” said Kinga Penjor, a resident.
“We have many unemployed youth here at Buli. So, the project will create job opportunities for them. This will benefit not just Buli but the entire nation at large,” said Tshering Namgay, a resident.
Burgangchhu is locally known as Buli- Chu and is about 11 kilometres below Buli village. It falls between Tsheldang, Buli and Nyakhar villages.
The Construction Development Cooperation is constructing the project which will cost close to Nu 100 M. It is scheduled to complete by 2024.
Burgangchhu hydropower plant is among the projects under the small hydropower projects for energy security the Druk Green Power Cooperation (DGPC) initiated.
A similar project began at Yungichhu in Lhuentse earlier this month. Like the Yungichhu project, Burgangchhu will generate an adequate energy supply for more districts and activities. Currently, Zhemgang consumes only close to three MW which is met by the Kurichhu project.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Phub Gyem
