Following His Majesty The King’s announcement of establishing a Special Administrative Region, an economic hub at Gelephu in Sarpang, people are delighted. The news has brought joy not just to the locals in Gelephu but also to the people across the country.
The Special Administrative Region will be built on some 250,000 acres of land in Gelephu and it is expected to boost economic growth in the country.
Elated by the news, people in the district acknowledged His Majesty The King for his visionary leadership and commitment towards the well-being of people and the country.
Thukten Tshering, a resident of Gelephu said, “I heard people talking about a special project in Gelephu. But after His Majesty The King’s announcement today at the 116th National Day celebration confirming the establishment of an economic hub, we are happy. He also focused on constructing a railway and international airport here.”
“His Majesty’s speech on developing the Sarpang district into a special economic hub is good news. I think it will bring economic development to the country. The construction of a railway and international airport will benefit Bhutan now and in future,” said Nim Dorji Sherpa, a resident of Gakiling Gewog, Sarpang.
The announcement resonated with the same positive feeling among people across the country.
“People in Gasa depend on agriculture for livelihood. With the establishment of the Special Administrative Region in Gelephu, we can take our agricultural produce to international markets. We are looking forward to it,” said Chador, a resident of Khatoed Gewog, Gasa.
“The establishment of an economic hub in Gelephu is a response to the dwindling economic situation of the country and I think it will benefit us immensely,” said Jigme Lhendup, the Principal of Sherubling HSS in Trongsa.
Penjor, a resident of Dopshari Gewog in Paro said, “If we have to progress like other countries, we have to invest in such big projects. We are thankful to His Majesty The King. It is an opportunity for Bhutanese to stay in the country and serve the country.”
Haa Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairperson Tenzin Jamba said, “We know that the project will bring change to our country and we are very happy about it. The elderly are praying the project to be successful and go as per His Majesty’s wishes.”
“The Gelephu Throm is going to create an employment opportunity for the youth and for that I am grateful,” said Tshewang Dorji, a resident of Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Our youth look up to developed countries where there are opportunities. The project in Gelephu is going to help our country progress like other developed nations and inspire Bhutanese abroad to return with skills and knowledge. This is going to boost our country’s economy,” said Chador, the Gase Tshogom Gup of Wangdue Phodrang.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Gelephu International Airport will be held soon and the construction is expected to be complete in two years.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Sangay Chezom
