Choki Wangmo | Tsirang

Drawing inspiration from His Majesty The King’s selfless effort in protecting every Bhutanese from the trying times of the current pandemic, the Tsirang dzongkhag administration, business community, and volunteers have built a quarantine facility.

The dzongkhag engineering section, supported by volunteers and de-suups, has been working on the construction of the 23-bedded quarantine facility located near the dzongkhag hospital for more than a month.

While the dzongkhag deployed 18 officials for the construction, about 20 volunteers who are contributing to the construction on weekends were inspired by His Majesty to unite and contribute in whatever ways they could: through resources and labour.

About 30 business owners in Tsirang has volunteered to cover the expenses of the construction, which is estimated at Nu 3.15 million.

The coordinator for the business community, Milan Lama, said that His Majesty The King and the government had been tirelessly working towards keeping Bhutanese safe from the pandemic, and also implementing measures to ease the burden on people, such as loan waivers.

“This project is a tribute, coming together to pay our gratitude,” he said.

He said the new quarantine facility in the dzongkhag, which is expected to be completed by the end of this month, would benefit people who are currently waiting due to a shortage of quarantine facilities in Gelephu.

Without a proper quarantine facility, people were quarantined in the Professional Development Centre, hospital, and dratshang guesthouse.

Dzongkhag engineer Bisnu Bakta said that when there is a shortage of construction materials and workers in the market, support from the business communities and volunteers have been tantamount to completing the project. “This is the best time to show support and solidarity.”

Plumber Pahal Man Rai has been working at the site since the construction started. He said that it was the right time to serve the country and learn new skills for a better Bhutan. He has learned carpentry skills.

Dzongkhag technician Damar Bahadur Monger said that as a civil servant, he couldn’t contribute in the past but he took the opportunity to give the best of his skills to the project as inspired by His Majesty’s altruism towards His people.

“Although we don’t have many skills, when we work as a team, we can achieve greater things,” he said.

Rupa Wai Chettri is one of the four women volunteers. “I’m happy to work and it is an achievement for us.”

She said there were no visible challenges since they were used to the construction work.

Most of the workers are electricians, plumbers, masons, carpenters, and painters.

Tsirang Dzongdag Pema said that there are certain things that the public can do to help the nation to reclaim opportunities lost to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Such an initiative is one among many.”