About fifteen taxis will now be allowed to park at the vegetable market parking in Bajo town in Wangdue Phodrang. This comes after the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu unanimously decided to allow taxis to park in that area.
The thromde representative informed the DT meeting that current taxi parking area is not benefiting the vegetable vendors and public of lower Bajo town as it is located away from the vegetable market. The current parking area in Bajo town, including for taxis was constructed at a cost of Nu 4.4 M and inaugurated in April last year.
Near the vegetable market located below the lower market taxis are allowed only to pick up and drop people.
“Public are complaining about the inconvenience they faced while carrying their vegetables to the market,” Karma Wangdi, the Rubesa Gup, said.
“The main problem is with limited parking time. Farmers who come for shopping or selling their vegetables do not get enough time either to load or unload their goods from taxis as officials impose fines,” Kinzang Thinley, the GaseTshowogm Gup, said.
Meanwhile, some members suggested extending taxi parking areas in the town area to address the issue. Likewise, some of the members also said there is a need to extend the current timing for taxis to park near the vegetable market.
“Firstly, the total numbers of taxis need to be verified and then allocate some number of taxi parking in certain areas of the town. It will benefit both taxis and public,” Khandu Dorji, the Athang Gup, said.
After discussion, the meeting decided to allocate parking for about fifteen taxis at the vegetable market.
“We thought parking space for about fifteen taxis could be adjusted at the site since the vegetable market is a gathering place for all,” Dzongdag Sonam Jamtsho said.
The vegetable remains open throughout the week. Sources say the present vegetable market is a temporary shelter and it will have to be shifted in future according to the town plan.
