Residents of Changzamtog-Olakha and Simtokha-Babesa Demkhongs are not happy with the Thimphu Thromde for awarding multiple construction contracts to a single contractor. They say a contractor should be given one to two contracts to ensure Transparency. The representatives of these Demkhongs learned about this during a recent site visit as part of their Social Accountability Exercise conducted by the Bhutan Transparency Initiative.
The Bhutan Transparency Initiative conducted a week-long training in Thimphu to bring service providers and service recipients together and choose a course of action via mutual understanding. Participants from the two Demkhongs went on a site visit to observe the ongoing construction projects of Thimphu Thromde in their respective areas and assess the quality of developmental projects. They were dissatisfied with how the Thromde assigned multiple projects to a single contractor.
Meeting with the Thromode Administration yesterday, the representatives presented the findings of the Social Accountability Exercise. They shared their dissatisfaction with the current practice of awarding contract packages by the Thromde.
Defending the Thromde’s stand, Thimphu Thrompon Ugyen Dorji said the Thromde awards multiple projects to a single contractor only if the contractor has all the required resources like machinery and skilled labourers. He said awarding multiple contracts in a package can also bring down the cost.
However, the Thrompon’s reasoning did not go well with the representatives. They argued that such a policy from the Thromde will leave no opportunities for the small contractors to grow. They said everyone should be treated the same.
“The Thrompon said they are giving all the small projects with packages to big contractors since small contactors are not capable and they do not have the machinery and skilled labourers but I think it’s not true. If we do not give an opportunity to the small contractor, how will they improve? In a democracy, we say there should be equity, but I don’t think there is equity,” said Bap Kelzang, a Participant.
“What I think is, instead of leaving behind small contractors, the government should support them in terms of equipment and improve them. Small projects like the construction of drainage and walls should be given to small contractors so that they will get a better experience and benefit them as well,” added Kinley Namgay, also a participant.
Similar training will also be provided by the BTI in other Demkhongs of Thimphu. Such training has already been completed in Bumthang, Zhemgang, Paro, and Gelephu Thromde. Once trained, the community representatives can assess the quality of developmental projects and services rendered by public servants and elected officials.
Pema Seldon Tshering
Edited by Sonam
