From Gelephu

1st February 2016. New RRCO complex for Gelephu region was inaugurated by His Excellency Lyonpo Namgay Dorji, Minister of Finance. Officials from the Ministry of Finance and the members of parliament representing from the region were present with him. Present at the inauguration ceremony were the retired civil servants and the officials from the Sarpang Dzongkhag. Headed by Dasho Thrompon, Officials from the Gelephu Municipal Corporation were also present along with the officials from RBA and RBP. 

I am not so sure about the figure, but I roughly heard that an amount to the tune of Nu. 176 million was spent on the entire project. The structure looks unique and I should say (as spoken by other speakers) that it’s a first of a kind to have ever been built in Bhutan. Looking at the giant pillars at the entrance, I am sure the strongest of the tremor would do little or no damage to the building. Another most visible feature of the building is the lavish use of glass on the outside walls. It looks fashionable, but nevertheless here is one thing that is bothering my imagination. All the glass sheets are stuck to the metal frame by simple adhesive glue. Some say it will act like a cushion in case of tremor. But I am doubtful. 

The massive project was incepted in 2012. In a period spanning over three years, lot has been said about the project. By then the regional office has seen three different Regional Directors come and go. I have particularly heard about the irresponsibleness of the contractor which made our Secretary, Director and Regional Directors go frantic. There were times when he disappeared without a trace, halting the progress of the project altogether. The massive pillars and the amount of space gone useless at the lobby has often been the subject of ridicule and discussion among the officials. 

But on the 1st February, 2016, on an astrologically chosen day to mark the completion cum inauguration of the complex, it was all a different talk. Finally all the people had so many good things to say. Some were comparing the structure to a Dzong. While others were praising the contractor for his hard work and dedication, I think it’s the combined effort of many concern people who brought this success story. 

To me, project like this shows the vision our leaders. It shows the farsightedness of the officials who are administering the Ministry of Finance. Being able to prepare for the unforeseen future events with certain degree of accuracy, I believe is the key ingredient of a leader. With an inauguration of a building that can house offices for over 200-300 officials, responsible officials, i think both past and present have done a justified forecasting, because in due course of time, Gelephu, with all the open plain is surely going to become a real commercial hub of Bhutan. Only thing is that the situation in the Indian state of Assam should improve.