With the activation of the zoning system, residents of Thimphu started coming out of their homes after three days of the lockdown, to buy essentials. And soon after, Thimphu Thromde had a series of grievances to listen to. Although the morning was smooth, complaints about insufficient stocks, limited shops, and time to shop were the pertinent issues people raised.
Despite some 230 essentials shops and 13 wholesalers identified to cater to the residents, the demand is even more. To solve the insufficiency issue immediately, the thromde will collaborate with the Economic Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests.
‘‘We will try our best to sort out things and make it more convenient for the people,’’ said Kinlay Dorjee, the Thimphu Thrompon.
One of the complaints is about the wholesalers not delivering the goods as ordered. This, the thrompon said is due to the lack of clear guidelines and agreement between the wholesalers and the Economic Affairs ministry.
”Wholesalers must be ready to deliver goods anytime, anywhere, to all the retailers and residents, and that the ministry should make sure that it’s being done,’’ added the thrompon.
As for the retailers, the thrompon said they should ask for deliveries from the wholesalers, as and when they run out of stocks.
While the two hours’ time is likely to remain the same, the thrompon strictly urges shopkeepers not to increase the price of the goods. The thrompon added,” If we come to know about any shops increasing the prices, we will forbid them from operating the business, immediately.”
Likewise, the Office of Consumer Protection, OCP, also said they will cancel the license of repeated offenders.
Meanwhile, with the increasing cases of coronavirus, the public is urged to strictly follow safety protocols.
Tshering Dendup
