Thirty two families in Changjiji, Thimphu, now have ownership of their apartments. The apartments, located near Loselling School, were constructed under a pilot housing project. The agreements of the home ownership between the tenants and National Housing Development Corporation were handed to them, today.
The National Housing Development Corporation (NHDCL) constructed 12 houses with 32 units as a pilot housing project for home ownership with assistance from DAINDA in 2002. The civil servants from lower income groups occupied these flats since December 2005.
[pullquote] After they have completed the payment in installment of the cost of the house, they will own the houses. They have the right to modify the houses, as per the Thromde rules. The land will be on lease and they have to pay lease amount as per the Land Act.”
Ugyen Chewang,
Managing Director,
NHDCL[/pullquote]
Speaking to them, the works and human settlement minister, Yeshey Zimba, said one the policies of the government is providing safe basic and affordable housing to every Bhutanese. He added that it is a beginning of a major move to provide home ownership.
The 32 units’ owners will have to pay certain amount ranging to Nu.1,600-2,500 monthly for about 20 years. The land however is on lease for 30 years, after which they can renew the lease period.
The NHDCL says that if this pilot project becomes successful, they will be planning a similar housing program to middle and higher income groups.
