In a tendrel ceremony today, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering handed over keys to 40 households who will now reside in the temporary houses constructed at the Amo Chhu Land Development and Township project area.
The 40 families were symbolically selected on a need basis to receive housing in the ceremony to mark the 40th birth anniversary of His Majesty the King.
The temporary housing was constructed for thousands of Bhutanese who lived across the Indian border town of Jaigaon before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the gathering, the Prime Minister said this temporary housing solution came about with His Majesty’s commands to not leave any Bhutanese, home and abroad, suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lyonchhen said, “This pandemic has brought a lot of pain and suffering to many countries across the globe. It has impacted economies, people have lost jobs, and thousands are dying without food. In our country, His Majesty has commanded that all Bhutanese are the same and that Bhutanese should not suffer due to this virus. His Majesty has repeatedly stressed that the government should look after the welfare of all Bhutanese.”
Lyonchhen reminded the people of their responsibilities once they move into their new temporary homes and said that His Majesty is concerned about unforeseen incidents, as the housing is located close to a big river. Lyonchen said that His Majesty is also concerned that with so many people staying together, health and sanitation related diseases might break out even if they avoid the Coronavirus.
Meanwhile, after months of staying with their relatives and in schools and colleges in Phuentshogling, families are delighted to move in to their new homes, even if it is temporary.
Samten Dorji, a retired army personnel who had been living in Jaigaon for around 14 years said that with the blessings of His Majesty the King, they stayed in schools without any problem and thanked His Majesty for giving a home during a time like this.
Dechen Chezom, a class XI student of Phuentshogling Higher Secondary School, said that she had been staying in Jaigaon since class PP. “When I was staying in Jaigaon, there was a lot of problems like kidnapping, snatching, and bullying. I feel really safe staying in Bhutan. I am really thankful to our King and the government,” she said.
The temporary housing area will accommodate 1,000 households. Estimates show about 5,000 people will live in the housing area once the allotment is complete.
Sherub Dorji
