Contractors in Trongsa Dzongkhag are hopeful that the Mangdechhu Hydropower project will provide them ample of opportunities to boost their construction business. So far they have not been able to carry out any construction works since not many developmental activities took place in the Dzongkhag.
There are over 100 petty and few grade A contractors in Trongsa. “So far, most of the contractors here have no work. It is difficult to get work. But we hope to get work in projects in future,” said hopeful Sonam Tobgay, a Trongsa based Contractor.
The Economic Affairs Minister, Khandu Wangchuk, said there are many civil and structural works under the Mangdechhu project, which will be given to the Bhutanese contractors.
“So far, we have done preparatory works to start the major works of the project like road construction and construction of offices. In these works, about 14 Bhutanese contractors have taken up the work. The total cost of the work is over Nu. 2.1 billion. So when the major execution works starts, the opportunity will be given to Bhutanese contractors,” said the Minister.
He added that there are many temporary and permanent houses to be built and then construction of roads. “For this, procurement of sands, stones and cements will be given to Bhutanese contractors.”
Meanwhile, construction of dam site, head race tunnel and underground power of the Mangdechhu Hydropower Project will be taken up by the leading Indian contractors like Jai Prakash Associates Limited, Gammon India Limited and PES Engineers Private Limited.
