The construction work on a fuel depot in Kanglung, which was supposed to be operational by May, is showing slow progress leaving residents worried.
At the construction site, the land has been leveled and fuel tanks transported. Besides that, work has been moving at snail’s pace.
A Kanglung resident, Sonam said that the construction of the fuel depot started in January and is still not complete.
He also said that a fuel depot in Kanglung would benefit not only the people of Kanglung but commuters on the Trashigang-Samdrup Jongkhar highway as well.
Another resident said that when they run out of fuel, they have to go to Trashigang, 19Km away, and it consumes around 10l of fuel. “If the depot is ready soon, we will be really happy.”
Similarly, Pema Thinley said that although the construction of the fuel depot has been delayed, it would benefit the public if the construction is completed anytime. “With the fuel depot operational, refilling of LPG cylinders will also become easier.”
However, according to the Bhutan Oil Corporation’s regional manager, DendupTshering, the delay is a temporary hiccup.
He said they are waiting for equipment from their principal Indian company. “Once we receive the equipment, we expect to complete the works within a month or so.”
Once the fuel depot is operational, the depot will benefit the people of Kanglung and other nearby gewogs.
Two underground tanks: 50,000 for diesel and 20,000 for petrol will be installed at the depot. The quantity of the fuel would depend on the demand from the residents.
Further, he said that the fuel depot would be for public benefit yet profit oriented. The station in Kanglung would also have a LPG gas store.
The fuel depot construction is estimated to cost around Nu 9mn.
Jigme Wangchen from Kanglung, T/gang
