The Samtse Dzongkhag Tshogdu once again discussed the need for a new Dzong. Talks of the new Dzong began when the first local government took office in 2011. Despite years of discussions, there has been no progress in constructing of the much-anticipated Dzong.
During the Dzongkhag Tshogdu session, Dophuchen Gup Phuntsho raised concerns and questioned the District Cultural Sector about updates regarding the new Dzong’s construction.
“As per some news reports, we have learnt that about 10 acres of land was also identified for the construction of dzong in the 12th Five-Year-Plan, but there is very little progress on the ground. Everyone says that Samtse is the largest district and has a lot of population. But for us to not have a dzong, it is embarrassing to say that we are from Samtse.”
In response, the District Cultural Sector informed that they are still awaiting directives from the home affairs ministry regarding the matter.
The Dophuchen Gup also suggested prioritising Samtse Dzong construction by proposing to defer some large projects from the district’s 15 gewogs and utilising their budgets if necessary.
However, his recommendation did not receive the support of other members of the house.
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu, like in the previous sessions, once again agreed to send a letter to the home affairs ministry, members of parliament, and the Prime Minister’s office concerning the construction of the new Dzong.
The district submitted its first proposal for a new Dzong in 2013. It was even approved and included in the 11th Five-Year Plan. However, it has still not materialized. The current Samtse Dzong is believed to have been built in the 1970s.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
