Things are expected to become easier for those seeking house construction approvals. From November, they will be able to upload their house drawings online for approval through the Construction Approval System, eliminating the need to visit offices in person. However, MPs in the National Assembly raised concerns about whether rural residents will be able to use it.
The issue surfaced in the national assembly today, as Lamgong-Wangchang’s MP submitted a petition urging the government to transfer the authority back to the local leaders to approve construction permits in rural areas. Until 2022, the gewog administration had the authority to approve rural house construction. However, the Bhutan Building Rules 2023 transferred the authority to the district administration, requiring the rural population to travel further.
“The main thing to look out for is if the government land has been encroached on or not, which the LG leaders can do. If the authority is transferred back to the gewog administration, it will benefit the people a lot,” said Sonam Tashi, MP, Lamgong-Wangchang, Paro.
In response, the infrastructure and transport ministry announced that a Construction Approval System will be launched soon. The system is a digital platform designed to simplify house construction permit approvals.
The Construction Approval System has already been developed and is expected to be launched by the end of this year.
“Through the system, the services and the process will become easier. We can keep records of the data, which will increase transparency, thereby reducing corruption,” said Lam Dorji, MP, Wamrong, Trashigang.
However, some MPs have raised concerns about the system’s benefits for the rural population.
“I have concerns over how the system will benefit the people since most people in rural areas do not have smartphones. For the time being, it would be best if the authority is given to the gewog administration,” said Kinzang Wangchuk, MP, Dramedtse-Ngatshang, Monggar.
“We do not have enough facilities for digital services. Our network connectivity is also very poor. We are also concerned about the sustainability of the system,” said Naiten Wangchuk, MP, Monggar, Monggar.
Until the system is ready to be rolled out, the MPs recommended that the government allow gewogs to process the approval with verification from the district administration to ensure compliance.
Deki Lhazom & Singye Dema
Edited by Phub Gyem
