In first ever bridges to be constructed by Bhutanese youth

A lot has been said on how the construction work sites are dominated by migrant workers from neighboring countries, like India and Bangladesh, while many of the Bhutanese youth remain without jobs. Many feel the youth workforce is not keen on taking up construction work in the booming construction industry, and for building roads, bridges, and hydropower plants.

However, things are set to change as the Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL) is hiring the Bhutanese youth to construct two high quality authentic Bhutanese design bridges for the first time at Dechencholing and Hejo in Thimphu.

According to the General Manger of DHRA, Pema Wangchuk, such initiative by CDCL is intended to enhance the skills of the Bhutanese workers in construction area and other infrastructure, eventually enhancing the capacity of the national human resource through hands-on experience. He said the bridges are designed by Bhutanese engineers and the youth workers are competent enough in taking up the construction works.

He added that the project, using Bhutanese workers, is instrumental in generating employment and producing skilled manpower in the country. CDCL aims to teach skills in areas which are vital to the construction industry. The bridge construction project also aims to attract more youth to take up blue collar jobs, and to help ease the unemployment issue.

As of now, CDCL has recruited 50 Bhutanese youth in the construction of the bridges, and more are to be recruited depending on the demand for manpower.

“The Bhutanese youths are provided with free accommodation, group project insurance and attractive remuneration to encourage youths in recognizing importance of taking up blue color jobs,” said Pema Wangchuk.

CDCL’s initiative is on a good start as it intends to curb the rising youth unemployment figures, and in turn, bring down the number of petty crime, drug and alcohol abuse cases associated with the unemployment issues.

The Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, will grace the groundbreaking ceremony of the two bridges today. The bridges are scheduled to complete within a 13- month timeframe.