Samtse district has received Nu 299.4 M under Phase 1 of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), previously known as the Small Development Project. The government approved the budget recently. The fund will be used for various projects, including farm road improvement, water supply enhancement and the development of market facilities, according to the district administration.
The district’s annual grant for the 2024-25 financial year, worth Nu 114 M, was redirected to spillover projects. Local leaders and residents were concerned about the lack of funds for new developmental activities.
However, Phase 1 funding for the High Impact Community Development Project has come as a much-needed relief. The project will focus on smaller, community-level projects.
The district administration said the budget covers some 24 projects.
More than Nu 50 M is allocated for the construction of a vegetable market shed and the resurfacing of Dorokha Dungkhag road.
Meanwhile, 22 projects are being carried out in gewogs, including one under Tashichhoeling Dungkhag.
Each gewog received a minimum of Nu 10 M, with some being allocated up to 27 M.
Key initiatives under this phase include the construction of a culvert bridge, a bailey bridge, a suspension bridge, a borewell,10 farm road blacktopping projects, six farm road improvement projects, a drinking water supply project, and two formation-cutting projects.
While some projects are still in the pipeline, several have already taken off with works awarded and inaugurations underway. One such project is the blacktopping of a farm road from Thapsoza to Soeltapsa in Tendruk Gewog, valued at Nu 24 M. Once completed, it will benefit over 300 households in Miglamthang Chiwog, providing farmers with a smoother road and better access to markets for their produce.
“All we ever needed was a blacktopped road, and now that it’s finally happening, we couldn’t be happier. It feels like a new dawn for us. As grateful citizens, we are more than willing to support the project in any way we can,” said Tashi Dorji, a resident of Soeltapsa.
“This road will make a huge difference, especially during emergencies and difficult times. It will also help us transport our agricultural produce to the market more easily while making our daily travel much smoother and more comfortable,” said Pem Tenzin, also a resident of Soeltapsa.
These developments will benefit rural communities in Samtse. With Phase 2 funding scheduled within the next two years, infrastructure development in the district will continue, improving the quality of life for residents.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Sangay Chezom
