Eight houses in core Damphu town of Tsirang under the management of the National Housing and Development Corporation Limited (NHDCL) are in dire need of maintenance.
The buildings, which were constructed around two decades ago, have never seen any major renovations.
Today, Damphu town wears a fresh new look with flowers planted in the open spaces and old buildings painted. But one can easily notice some of the structures that are in need of maintenance. Many of these buildings have no roofing, grasses have started growing on their walls and some do not even have proper windows.
The NHDCL buildings, which are mostly single storey are packed with tenants.
The issue was also discussed in the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu, with some members sharing concerns about probable disasters if the buildings are not renovated soon.
“It doesn’t look uniform in the town. Even if we put up effort to develop the town but if these structures remain the same it is of no use. Moreover, the structures are very old and there is no proper roof for buildings that are under NHDCL. We are worried that mishaps could happen with such weak structures,” Beda Moni Chamlagai, the Kilkhorthang Gup, said.
The Dzongkhag Administration says they had written several letters and made verbal requests to the NHDCL office to carry out renovations.
“I have met with the chief and he told us that the buildings were constructed on 3-5 decimal lands, which is not adequate. The chief also assured us that the works will begin from December and that by January the renovation works will be started,” Namgay Dorji, the Tsirang Dzongrab, said.
Earlier following a final warning from Bhutan Power Corporation, rewiring works were carried out in these structures. Similarly, the sewerage lines were also worked on recently to solve overflowing sewer issues.
Namgay Wangchuk
