The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport will soon develop an online Construction Approval System to streamline house and building construction approvals. The plan was announced on Friday in the National Assembly after the Lamgong_Wangchang MP raised concerns about delays in the approval process.
Gewog administrations stopped issuing house construction approvals a few months ago, transferring the responsibility to the district administration. Lamgong_Wangchang MP Sonam Tashi said that the change has caused public inconvenience and urged the ministry to return the authority to the Gewog Administration.
In response, infrastructure and transport minister Chandra Bahadur Gurung said that the change is only temporary.
“Once this system is in place, people can upload their construction drawings online, eliminating the need to visit offices in person. This will make the process convenient for both service users and providers,” he added.
Meanwhile, members raised concerns about how rural people access the new system. The minister said that the system would be user-friendly for everyone.
Concerns about attic construction regulations were also raised in the House. Under the Bhutan Building Regulation 2023, buildings on small plots are restricted to three storeys.
“Constructing an attic is not a one-day job, it takes many months. I am concerned about possible favouritism by building inspectors. If attics are allowed, they should be allowed for everyone. The rule clearly states that they are not permitted, yet enforcement is inconsistent,” said Sonam Tashi, Lamgong_Wangchang MP, Paro.
In response, the infrastructure and transport minister said there is a shortage of building inspectors.
The minister added that rules and regulations would soon be established to ensure fair and consistent enforcement.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Sherub Dorji
