In the 13th Five-Year-Plan, the Indian government will support 30 various projects including infrastructure development, Dzong conservation, improvement of roads and bridges and human resource development through the Project-Tied Assistance projects. The implementation of these projects will cost over Nu 21bn. So far, more than Nu 2.1bn has already been disbursed.
The highest budget has been allocated for the construction and revamping of government offices near the Trashichhoedzong with Nu 3bn.
The government plans to construct new offices for the education and skills development ministry, the agriculture and livestock ministry, the foreign affairs and external trade ministry, the National Emergency Operations Centre and the Prime Minister’s Office.
In the energy sector, Nu 500 M has been allocated for mini and macro hydropower projects, alongside one billion ngultrum for solar and wind power development. These projects are expected to help reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
To improve water supply, the government has set aside more than Nu 550 M for a 24/7 water supply project for Thimphu and surrounding areas. Additionally, more than Nu 820 M has been allocated for irrigation and water flagship projects to ensure water security.
Preserving Bhutan’s cultural heritage is also a focus, with more than Nu 1bn set aside for the conservation of Sarpang Dzong, Lingzhi Dzong, Sangchen Choekhor, and Rigsum Goenpa.
The conservation work of Lingzhi Dzong was already completed in the first financial year of the 13th Five-Year-Plan.
Over Nu 2.1bn will be used for human resource development and skilling programmes, while more than Nu 1.7bn is allocated for technical education and teacher training.
More than Nu 700 M has been allocated for road improvement, including the improvement or widening of Sengor-Dramaling road and the Haa-Samtse secondary national highway.
Other projects include the construction of a 65-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Monggar worth more than Nu 700 M.
More than Nu 115 M has been allocated for the establishment of a third internet gateway.
Similarly, there are several other projects for infrastructure development and exchange programmes amounting to Nu 4bn.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Tshering Zam
