There is cautious optimism for residents of Phuentshogling with the Phuentshogling Township Development Project slowly getting back on track. With the first phase of the project in its final stages, the second phase was kick-started with the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday. The project which began in 2018 is by far the biggest urban development project in the country.
With an estimated cost of Nu 1.7 billion, the second package of the Phuentshogling Township Development Project will focus on the construction of common urban infrastructures.
“Package 2 of the project comprises of the road network, water supplies, sewerage, water treatment plant, electrical and telecommunication networking works,” said Kamal Dhakal, the Project Manager.
Likewise, package 2 of the project will also see the construction of a Solid Waste Treatment Facility and five pedestrian bridges. All of these are expected to be completed by 2025.
Meanwhile, the first package of the project which includes river diversion, land reclamation, construction of walkways, landscaping, and cross-drainage works, is almost complete and is expected to finish by this month.
The fifth and final phase of the project will consist of the installation of a flood early warning system, power transmission infrastructure, ICT infrastructure, and the construction of flower and tree gardens.
The Phuentshogling Township Development Project will develop around 157 acres of vacant land along the riverbeds located adjacent to the existing Phuentshogling city along the left bank of Amo Chhu. Once complete, the project will not only protect both the new township and Phuentshogling city from floods and riverbank erosion but it is also expected to bring along economic opportunities. The Druk Holding and Investments and the Asian Development Bank are funding the project worth almost Nu 8 billion.
Passang Dorji, Phuentshogling
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen