Connectivity on top of the priority list of Zhemgangpas
Updating on the 770MW Chamkharchhu-1 HEP, Lyonpo said that the hydropower bridge after the confluence of Mangdichhu and Chamkharchhu had been built during the second government’s tenure in 2018 and most project structures will fall within Bardo Gewog.
“Reliance Group and DHI have signed an agreement to execute the project. Chamkharchhu HEP is the first phase of the project on the river; and phase 2 and 4 is also included in the renewable energy roadmap 2040,” he said.
The hydropower project on the Chamkharchhu river is in Bardo Gewog, while the power house will be in Dungmang under Nangkor Gewog.
The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) expects the preliminary works on the project to start soon.
“Similarly, the 54MW Burgangchhu HEP is being constructed on the Burgangchhu in Buli. Its powerhouse is built externally on the confluence of Burgangchhu and Yongdigangchhu,” the Finance Minister said.
It’s expected to be commissioned by June 2025 and enhance the energy supply for the region. “All its civil work is done by the Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL) and is affording great opportunity for local builders to gain valuable experience in hydropower construction.”
As always, people of Zhemgang dzongkhag raised issues on ESP loans, Chamkharchu-1 HEP, Nu 150,000 insurance, third child policy, chain-link fencing and connectivity projects during the recent constituency visit by the Finance Minister.
Additionally, villagers also enquired about Shingkhar to Bumthang road connectivity, and Bardo to Monggar road connectivity. People also raised the poor condition of Dakpai-Buli and Buli-Nimzhong GC roads.
“All issues raised are important and pertinent because it is something the people need their elected government to address,” the Finance Minister said.
Regarding road connectivity in the dzongkhag, Lyonpo said that Zhemgang is considered remote because it did not get road access on time, but things are improving. “All Gewog centres, Chiwogs and most villages now have road access. However, the condition of the roads is poor,” headed.
Lyonpo said that the road connectivity is of utmost priority. Road from Zhemgang to Monggar and Bumthang will open up the interior Kheng and bring them to the national economic mainstream, according to the minister. Zhemgang will become the centre of Bhutan if it is connected to all its neighbouring Dzongkhags-Trongsa and Bumthang in the North, Sarpang in the South, Pema Gatshel and Monggar in the East, and international connectivity with India.
“There are drastic changes taking place in most western and central dzongkhags. However, what we have here in Zhemgang is what was there 10-15 years ago. It’s such a pity that we are left behind,” said Sonam from Shingkhar, a former local leader. “What we need is good connectivity. Other things will be automatically taken care of.”
As per the resource allocation for the 13th FYP, Zhemgang dzongkhag is allocated Nu 566 Million (M) for developmental works in the 8 gewogs under the dzongkhag.
Ngangla and Nangkhor gewogs has been allocated Nu 76M each, highest among the gewogs. They is followed by Bardo (74.77M), Phangkhar (70.01M), Shingkhar (69.86M), Goshing (68.52M), Trong (66.24M), and Bjoka (63.76M) at the bottom.
The dzongkhag and gewogs will decide how to use the annual grants which will be guided by annual grants guideline. Lyonpo said that besides annual grant, the dzongkhag will have significant project tied works for common minimum infrastructure and small development programs.
Over the course of his six day constituency visit, the minister met dzongkhag and regional officials; gewog, chiwog and school officials; visited the 54MW Burgangchhu project site; visited Buli central school and the 10-bedded Buli hospital.
Enroute Thimphu, the minister also met with the dzongkhag officials in Trongsa.
While appreciating the works done by the officials, Lyonpo said, “I had a good first visit to my constituency, one of the remotest regions of Bhutan. I want to thank Dzongdag and Gups of four Gewogs, and officials in the Dzongkhag and Gewogs for making my constituency visit a success.”
By Tashi Namgyal, Thimphu