After a long wait, Dagapela town in Dagana is finally witnessing new private constructions. Constructions in the town were on a halt since 2017 to initiate town planning works. The Dagana District Administration lifted the construction moratorium last year. The town serves as a vital commercial hub for the Dagana’s upper eleven gewogs.
Today, a few plot owners are preparing to begin the construction works while a few are already nearing completion.
The district engineering sector issued 75 construction approvals since June last year.
“We have been waiting for the establishment of this Dagapela town. We are happy and ready to start construction work. We are willing to take loans to start the work,” said Nar Bdr. Bal, a plot owner.
“I started constructing my house three months back. We are thankful to the District Administration for the approval. Currently, we are running a business from a temporary shed but it is inconvenient. The groceries are damaged by the rats and even the temporary shed is on the verge of collapse,” said Sangay Norbu, another plot owner.
Spread over 300 acres, the town has three Local Area Plans with nearly 500 plots.
In LAP I which includes the old town area, the owners are allowed to construct two or three-storied houses while people can build up to four-storied buildings in LAP II and III.
According to the district engineer, the construction work should be completed within two years after its approval.
Currently, the district engineering sector is assisting the plot owners in LAP I with the drawings at a minimal cost which otherwise used to cost more than Nu 70,000. This is to encourage the owners to start the construction work at the earliest.
Moreover, the water supply project for the town is completed. For now, the district administration is assessing and verifying the work which was carried out by a private contractor.
“The pandemic has delayed the town planning and the construction works. Recently, plot owners shared their concerns about inadequate water supply. For the time being, we also repaired the existing water supply by connecting the pipes and the town has adequate water as of now,” said Jamyang Dorji, district engineer.
Besides the water supply, the district administration has also finished constructing the roads and has plans to install streetlights.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
