The National Assembly’s (NA) Economic and Finance Committee recommended the government provide budgets to the identified chiwogs for the second phase of Granular sub-base (GSB) surfacing works of their farm roads. But removing the performance-based condition that disqualifies the eligibility of the second phase of GSB surfacing in chiwogs, where the first phase is incomplete.
The committee recommended this while presenting the Budget Review Report for the Financial Year 2022 to 2023 in the house yesterday.
The committee noted that Nu 3.19bn has been allocated for the second phase of GSB labelling works across the country for the upcoming financial year.
The Economic and Finance Committee also pointed out that such farm road rehabilitation works will further improve connectivity and uplift the rural economy.
However, the performance-based condition is a stumbling block for the execution of the second phase in some chiwogs where the first phase is still underway.
“The first phase of GSB surfacing along the farm roads in chiwogs has greatly benefited the villagers. They have reaped immense transport benefits. But the performance-based condition of the GSB could potentially hinder the second phase in chiwogs where the first phase is yet to complete,” said Kinga Penjor, the Chairperson of the Economic and Finance Committee.
On this, the Works and Human Settlement Minister clarified that every gewog will get a budget to carry out the second phase of GSB works. This is irrespective of whether the first phase is complete or not.
“Also, there are different stages of monitoring system pertaining to the GSB. Firstly, the gewog will evaluate, and then the dzongkhag and the local government will monitor,” explained Lyonpo Dorji Tshering in the house.
“While handing over the budget for the second phase of GSB surfacing for farm roads, it is important to form a tshogpa or a group. Therefore, every gewog has constituted a tshogpa and they will play a significant role in monitoring the progress and quality of the GSB,” added the Minister.
Furthermore, the minister said for GSB surfacing and drain pavement per kilometre of the farm road, Nu 1.7 M has been allocated.
Of the total 1,044 chiwogs in the country, more than 200 have carried out the first phase of GSB surfacing works. The Granular Sub-base has crushed stone participles mixed with sand and maintains quality farm roads that are not blacktopped.
Other than this issue, the Economic and Finance Committee, said given the increasing traffic and rural development, some farm roads need to be widened.
The committee also observed that the GSB surfacing has been found ineffective in some other farm roads due to weather, gradient and other pertinent issues.
Meanwhile, the works and human settlement ministry is developing the GSB maintenance guidelines that will ensure sustainable farm roads in the country.
Kelzang Choden
Edited by Pema Lhaden
