Arya News - Residents say the freeze, which remains in place without a clear explanation, has prevented new buildings from being constructed at a time when housing demand has risen sharply.
THIMPHU – Gomtu is facing a severe housing shortage as a long-running construction freeze continues to restrict the number of rental units for a population that has grown around nearby industries and mining operations.
Residents say the freeze, which remains in place without a clear explanation, has prevented new buildings from being constructed at a time when housing demand has risen sharply.
The freeze was enacted years ago when a town development plan was introduced, but progress has stalled since then. The gewog is still awaiting a final directive from the authorities.
Phuentshopelri Gup Robat Lepcha said people have been unable to expand or build new houses because the freeze remains active.
“People are still not allowed to carry out new construction,” he said, adding that the gewog has been awaiting clarity on when work would begin.
Residents say the delay has forced many families to remain in old houses that have seen no improvement for years. In addition, the lack of new housing has increased pressure on living space as more people move into the area for work.
“We have been living in the same conditions for years because nothing has moved ahead,” said one resident, stating that industrial activity has expanded while the town’s physical infrastructure has remained unchanged.
The shortage has pushed many to look for ways around the restrictions.
Residents report that more illegal and makeshift structures have appeared as rental units become harder to find.
Workers in cement factories and mining companies continue to increase in number, further straining the limited housing stock. Staff in schools, offices, and support services have also grown, adding to the demand for apartments. Long-term residents now compete for the same limited units that once met the needs of a smaller population.
A teacher said housing options have become scarce for those who move to Gomtu for work.
“I am living in a poorly conditioned house because we cannot find rental apartments easily,” he said, adding that the situation has existed for a long time.
Residents link the housing shortage to wider developmental issues in the town. Roads, public facilities, and other basic infrastructure have not kept pace with business expansion, creating what many describe as an imbalance between economic activity and living conditions.
“The town grew around the industries, but the facilities did not grow with it,” said Sanjit, a resident.
Residents say that the housing shortage will continue unless the construction freeze is lifted and the development plan moves forward.
Without any progress, people feel uncertain about the future.
“We hear many things about the plan, but we do not know when the work will start. People cannot wait forever,” a driver, Sherab Dorji said.