Four markets in four zones dropped

Yangyel Lhaden

After assessing population density and proximity of two zones, the Thimphu Thromde decided to drop constructing vegetable market structures in four zones in the thromde.

Construction of vegetable markets at Lubding, in the Lungtenphu area, Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School, Semtokha and Olakha workshop zones were dropped.

Thimphu Thrompon Kinlay Dorjee said that in case of a lockdown there would be identified shops to cater vegetables in these zones even if they do not have a vegetable market.

Construction of the vegetable markets in the zones began on September 15 and was expected to complete by November end.

However, most of the structures are yet to be completed.

Construction workers are working seven days a week but said that completion of structures in two months was near impossible. Site engineers and construction workers said that they were working hard to complete by the end of December.

In some zones the tender was issued after September 15 by the Thromde office. Though tenders were given, some works at zones did not begin on September 15 due to labour shortage and non-availability of raw materials.

The vegetable market in Chang Gidaphu is 90 percent complete. Chang Gidaphu vegetable market has 23 compartments.  Except for plastering of a few rooms, roofing and painting, the work is complete.

Site engineer with Penjor Construction Private Limited, Sangay Dorji said that between 20 and 30 workers worked daily till 8pm but it was difficult to meet the deadline.

The vegetable market in Babesa truck parking is almost 50 percent complete. Site inspector, Dupchen Dorji said that half of the workers were Lhotshampa and with the puja holidays the work got delay. He said that by tomorrow they were going to start with wood works.

Construction of vegetable markets in the zones started with closure of the Centenary Farmers’ Market (CFM) to ensure vendors of CFM could start their business as soon as possible.

Thimphu Thrompon said that though CFM was opened, the construction of vegetable markets in the zones was not compromised, as there were interested people from CFM to vend from zones during their two-week off time of vending at the CFM.

CFM opened on October 14 with one-third of its capacity meaning a vendor can sell for a week and has to wait for two weeks for their next turn.

The Thromde office has received many applicants from new vendors interested to be vegetable vendors in the zones. The Thrompon said that the CFM vendors would be given the first choice followed by new applicants.