Residents of Dewathang and nearby areas in Samdrup Jongkhar were excited that they would have a new ECCD centre. The construction works began in 2019 and were supposed to be complete by 2020. However, the structure remains unfinished even today due to the pandemic.
Today, the incomplete structure has become a shelter for stray dogs.
Only about 90 per cent of the construction works were completed. According to the contractor, the pandemic delayed the work progress.
Despite being given a time extension three times, the contractor failed to complete the work. Works were supposed to be complete by June 4. However, with no workers at the site, Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde terminated the contract recently.
The Thromde is currently working on the way forward to complete the structure.
In the meantime, until the new structure is complete, a staff quarter at Dewathang Primary School will continue to serve as the Early Childhood Care Development or ECCD centre. But the centre does not have a proper water supply.
“I don’t have a car and my child finds it difficult to walk as the centre is far from my area,” said Sonam Zangmo, a parent.
“We don’t know what is happening as we see them working sometimes only. It has been about two and a half years now and it is still not completed,” said Ugyen Tshering, a resident.
For the moment, 60 children will have to continue their learning from the temporary centre until the new building is ready.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
