Plot owners in the new Gasa town planning area at Kolikha will be able to finally start constructing buildings by next month. This is because the development of all the basic infrastructure required for the new town is nearing completion. Only a few additional works of sewerage network are left to complete at the construction site today. The project was initially started in October 2020 and was supposed to be completed by April 2022.
Almost all the site development works have been completed. Works include building internal road connectivity, footpath and drainage system, and connecting electricity and drinking water supply.
Water supply connection is expected to begin soon under the Water Flagship Programme.
Only a few additional works of sewerage network construction are left. Officials said this is an additional work, which was not included in the initial plan. Officials added that all the work will be completed by the end of this month.
“We have some leftover work of installing sewerage pipes. The district administration and the contractor have even drawn up an agreement and we made it clear to the contractor to complete the work within this month. The contractor will have to import sewerage pipes from India and complete the works before handing over the new town to the district administration,” said Tashi Dhendup, Planning Officer of Gasa.
Although works are nearing completion, some plot owners are unhappy with the works having taken too long to complete. They say the existing town is not only prone to fire hazard but also poses health concerns.
“It is almost four years now that the new town development works began. It has taken too long to complete. We have been waiting to start constructing houses in the new town,” said Tashi, Rimi Tshogpa of Khatoed Gewog.
“Just getting budget from the government is not enough. We don’t know if there are appropriate documents, which ensure that the works are completed on time. They are working as if it is a private individual’s work where they can start and complete it in their own time. So, we are not happy with the work progress,” said Sangay Tashi, Khatoed Mangmi.
The district administration says works were delayed due to the COVID pandemic and harsh weather conditions in the district.
The new town is located near the Gasa Dzong. There are more than 50 commercial and residential plots allocated in the area. The new town is 74 acres in size. The government is spending Nu 36 M for the project.
Changa Dorji, Gasa
Edited by Kipchu
