Exporters of boulders and aggregates at Gelephu in Sarpang are requesting for an additional weighbridge. Weighbridge is a large set of scales used for weighing bulky items. According to the exporters, the only weighing machine at the Gelephu Mini-dry Port stockyard breaks down frequently hampering their business.
The Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Regional Office in Gelephu installed the existing weighing machine at the Mini-dry Port stockyard in 2021 to facilitate the export of boulders and aggregates.
The Officiating Manager of the BCCI’s Regional Office in Gelephu said an additional machine would help in ensuring an uninterrupted export of boulders and aggregates.
He claimed that they have to bring in experts from India to fix the machine every time it breaks down.
“There isn’t as much export of boulder and aggregates as in the past, but nonetheless, we export at least eight to 10 truckloads daily. Export is affected when the machine fails. Therefore, one more machine is necessary,” said Suresh Rai, officiating manager of BCCI, Gelephu.
“BCCI has installed one weighing machine here. By observing the current export business environment, BCCI has supported exports,” said Sangay Dorji, an operator at MDP Stockyard, Gelephu.
The issue is expected to be resolved soon. The Gelephu Thromde plans to privatide the Regional Revenue and Customs office’s old weighbridge by giving the land on lease to a private operator.
The Thromde says a private individual has already applied to lease the land to operate an additional weighing machine.
The Thromde has reportedly sent the application to the Land Commission for approval.
“It will become convenient if we provide the opportunity to private individuals to operate weighing machines. It is necessary to provide the land on lease. As it is state land, we have submitted the application to the Land Commission for approval. We will allot the land to the concerned applicant when we receive the approval,” said Tshering Norbu, Gelephu Thrompon.
The weighbridge at the Mini Dry Port located along the Sarpang- Gelephu Highway was installed at a cost of Nu 200 M under the BCCI Transport Fund.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Phub Gyem
