Many youth across the country came forth and took up work in the construction sector when the country faced a shortage of labourers amid the pandemic two years ago. Almost two months since borders reopened, some youth are still going strong and continuing work in the sector. Some 15 youths, mostly university and high school graduates in Zhemgang are among those continuing work in the construction industry, replacing foreign workers in their own little ways. They are blacktopping roads in the district.
The group of young and energetic youth of Zhemgang have been blacktopping roads in the district for the last two years. They are currently blacktopping Wangdigang-Zhemgang highway. It is not an easy job. Their day begins at seven in the morning and goes on until late in the evening. Despite it all, they have made the work which was usually taken up by foreign workers a source of their livelihood today.
“We did not blacktop roads in the past. But it is nice to learn new skills and contribute to nation-building. The construction company do not have to hire foreign labourers which is quite a hassle. We can take the job easily now,” said Nima from Trong Gewog.
“We earn about Nu 1,000 per day. And for me, I have my own pickup truck for the company and get about Nu 2,500 per day and the work is not that exhausting,” said Pema Wangchuk, another youth from Trong.
The construction company in Zhemgang employs a group of Bhutanese youth. They are all well equipped to handle all machines including hot mixing plant, operating road paver and road roller machines without seeking expert help. So far, they have blacktopped about 100 kilometres of road in and around Zhemgang.
“We need to teach them just once. All of them are educated and know how to do things or what to do next. So, now they are competent enough to carry out their job diligently,” said Raju Lepcha, the Manager of the Construction Company that employs the youth in Zhemgang.
Some local contractors in Zhemgang said they see a bright future for the group of young people given the shortage of skilled labourers in the district.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Phub Gyem
