In Sarpang, Jigmeling Chiwog in Dekiling Gewog is seeing an increasing number of construction activities in recent years. Located along the Gelephu-Sarpang highway, the prospects of the Jigmeling Industrial Park have fueled developmental activities in Jigmeling and the pace of development is far greater compared to the other 12 gewogs in the district.
Residents of Jigmeling say the chiwog was previously a silent place with not many activities and makeshift houses.
They say the advent of the Jigmeling Industrial Park, the community started to grow along with increasing land prices, multiple constructions, the opening of shops and restaurants, and entertainment centres to cater to the needs of the growing population.
“In the past, there was no school and no hospital, but now we have access to a school and hospital in our community. People started buying land and started construction. There was no BPC but now with a BPC colony out here, it lead to an increase in population,” said Leki Tshomo from Jigmeling.
“Compared to the past, rapid development has taken place now. There was no market place here but now we have access to the market for shopping. Many new lhakhangs are coming up with building constructions,” said Hari Maya Wakley.
“It is the industrial park area. With the establishment of the park, some started constructing houses and some bought land. That is why we feel development taking place rapidly out here,” said Nima Lama, owner of Craft Factory.
Despite the bustling Jigmeling village, the progress at the Jigmeling Industrial Park is not so promising.
Only a few business promoters completed their constructions and started operations. A few constructions are underway but the majority of business promoters have yet to start their construction works.
The government leased land to 43 business promoters. The industrial park is spread over 700 acres of land.
Basic amenities at the industrial park like the internal road network, street lights, and water supply is scheduled to complete by end of this month.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
