After missing several deadlines, the new integrated vegetable market in Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde is finally complete. The thromde plans to open the new integrated vegetable market by end of this month. It will offer a conducive and comfortable space for vegetable vendors and customers. Until now, the vendors have been operating from the old temporary vegetable shed.
The integrated market has space for meat shops, food court, and a separate area for local vegetables. It will be able to accommodate 30 vegetable vendors.
According to the Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde Administration, the office has finished finalising the monthly rental charges.
There are about 20 vegetable vendors operating from old vegetable market, eagerly waiting to shift to the new one.
“After shifting to the new vegetable market, it will be better. Out here, it is uncomfortable especially when it rains and people do not visit here. So, we are hoping for more customers at the new vegetable market as it is close to the town,” said Dorji, a vegetable vendor.
“New market is in the town, so it will attract more customers. The old one is far from the town, so people do not visit here. Moreover during rainy days, the rain water seeps in,” said Tshering Yangdon, another vegetable vendor.
“New vegetable market has proper space whereas we face lots of problem out here,” said Ugyen Dema, who is also a vegetable vendor.
The construction of the integrated vegetable market missed several deadlines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was constructed costing Nu 65 M with financial support from the Government of India.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam