[readams]

They're specifically using old-style techniques to build it, and doing a sort of fund-as-you-go structure where donations finance the construction. This is combined with the fact that the building is really complicated and every block has to be custom-carved into a unique shape.

There's also likely an element of not really wanting it to be done since the construction itself is a big part of the draw of the building for tourism.

[close04]

And yet the author of the present article would simply judge it by weight and say "with certainty" it must have taken only a fraction of the time.