With the re-construction of Chamkhar town complete the town is once again bustling with commercial activities. Besides infrastructure development like roads, communal space, public toilets and parking space, sanitation has also improved around the town.
Three fire disasters in two years almost wiped out the Chamkhar town in Bumthang. However, under the command of His Majesty the King and with assistance from the government, the town was rebuilt after proper planning. A total of 118 houses were constructed. Amenities like public toilets, recreational park and separate parking spaces for trucks, buses and taxis were also built.
Other than this, infrastructure like roads, sewerage tanks, vegetable market shed and drinking water supply were constructed in the town. “These works were not in the plan as it was unforeseen disasters. To reduce the risk of fire, we advised to keep enough spaces in between houses. Also while rebuilding the structures, the traditional architectural design of the town was maintained as it is,” said the Bumthang Dzongdag, Sangay Thinley.
Business people and passersby say the town is looking nice and clean. “The town has improved in terms of infrastructure and sanitation. It is very convenient for us to do business,” said a businessman, Sangay Phuntsho.
Another businessman, Loday Phuntsho, said that they do not have to face traffic congestion as separate parking spaces are built. “The town is also looking neat and clean with not much rubbish seen around.”
To improve the security of the town, the Dzongkhag administration has initiated night patrolling on daily basis. To prevent similar fire disasters, a fire fighting engine along with operator is kept at Chamkhar town every night. Over Nu. 18 million has been spent in rebuilding the town. The Bhutan-Switzerland friendship association also donated money for the reconstruction.
