The town development works in old Dagapela town in Dagana are finally taking shape with several private building constructions underway. The Dagana District Administration lifted the construction moratorium in 2022 after completing the town planning works. His Majesty The King granted Land Ownership Certificates to 36 plot owners in the town in 2017.
Today, most plot owners have begun constructions in the town. Some of them have already completed constructions and moved their businesses in the new structures. For the last few years, they have been operating businesses from a temporary town located above the present town.
Some plot owners have constructed individual buildings while others have opted for joint constructions depending on their land size. Similarly, the number of storeys also varies between two to three storeys based on landholding and stability.
The old Dagapela town, believed to have been developed more than nine decades ago, continues to serve as a commercial hub for the 11 upper gewogs of Dagana.
Nima Lhazang Sherpa, a resident in Dagapela said, “Construction works in the town are progressing much faster now compared to the past. Eight of us have already started constructing buildings and some of them even completed and moved their shops in new structures. The majority, however have yet to begin. We are expecting that they will start soon.”
Sangay Norbu, another resident of Dagapela said, “Initially we moved to the temporary town for two years but we ended up staying there for five years. Now I have completed my construction and I am comfortably settled in my new home.”
Meanwhile, other plot owners BBS talked to are planning to start constructions after the monsoon. They say, mobilising raw materials during monsoon is both costly and difficult.
The Dagana District Administration has already constructed protection walls, drainage systems, and access roads to support the town’s growth.
Once all constructions are complete, there will be around 20 buildings in the town.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
