Phuentshogling, once known for its thriving local economy is now struggling to stay afloat. Sickened by the Coronavirus and constant lockdowns, many families in Phuentshogling have moved out to other districts. And many are planning to do the same.
63-year-old Pemba ran a tailoring business in Phuentshogling for the past sixteen years. Since the COVID pandemic struck the country in March last year, Phuentshogling has remained the epicentre with several cases surfacing continuously.
With his shop shut down for almost a year and a half, Pemba decided to continue his business in Thimphu.
Had it not been for the regular lockdowns, he says he would have gone back. His shop in Phuentshogling remained closed for almost a year and a half. All his belongings remained locked up in a room and started gathering dust.
“I ran into a loss. I paid my employees for six months and also paid rent. All together I spent about Nu 600,000. I couldn’t anymore, so I came here” he said.
He added many people in Phuentshogling want to get out.
He said, “We talk over WeChat. They say that they also want to come here because it is very difficult there”.
Like Pemba, many other families have relocated to new homes and begun rebuilding their lives. In the past year, 26 people transferred their business licenses from Phuentshogling to other districts.
According to the Economic Affairs Minister, due to the pandemic, many businesses from Phuentshogling are relocating to the western region with the capital city being the main choice. He said the ministry will facilitate the businesses to thrive and support the economy during these difficult times.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
