The most common reasons for not completing construction activities on time during the pandemic are labour shortage and unavailability of raw materials. However, in Pema Gatshel’s Denchi town, some landowners are not buying these excuses. They have been working hard to complete their building constructions, and the pandemic is not holding them back. But now, they are worried that they will not get the basic amenities even if they complete the construction works early since other landowners have not started the construction works.
About ten businessmen started constructing buildings in Denchi town in 2019 after the district administration approved structures up to three-storey in the area. Today, half of them are about to finish the work. The owners are not rejoicing, though. Instead, they are concerned about whether they will get the basic facilities such as water and electricity supply.
“We are worried as we cannot accept or start a business without these facilities,” said a house owner.
“We did not start the construction just like that. It was after the dzongkhag approved it. Today, only nine to ten of us have constructed houses here. It is now for the dzongkhag to decide whether to give the basic facilities or not. But we hope the dzongkhag considers our hard work and comes to our assistance,” said Sangay Thinley, another house owner in Denchi.
“If the administration wants to give the facilities only when all the constructions are over, then it’s of no use for us having started the constructions early. Moreover, we are not sure when the others will start their works,” said Sangay Wangdi, also a house owner in Denchi.
According to the district architect, the town will have all the facilities as planned. He adds a water treatment plant for Denchi town is also nearing completion and house owners will be allowed to continue to use the temporary water and electricity supply already provided.
“We will soon distribute water from the water treatment plant under construction as part of the water flagship programme. We also have a proposal to have a service duct that will supply electricity and telephone and internet lines. It will be constructed soon as our plans,” said Tenzin Rabgay, the Pema Gatshel District Architect.
The dzongkhag identified 49 plots in Denchi town and started their allotment in 2016. So far, a little more than half of them have been distributed to the people.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam
