A special Sarpang Dzongkhag Tshogdu in March this year decided to construct the Dzong at Sarpang Tar. The location is where the present Dzongkhag administration is located. Since some Gewogs were not happy with the decision then, an application was put up to the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. So, the issue was once again discussed in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu held last week.
With eight of the 12 Gewogs supporting, it was once again decided that the Dzong would be constructed at Sarpang Tar. The decision has left some of the grassroots leaders unhappy.
“The meeting decided on the same location. We are worried how to pass the information to the people. We suggested somewhere in the middle,” says Ugyen Tshering, Mangmi, Serzhong Gewog.
“We are not satisfied, because on our side there are seven Gewogs and this side there is only five Gewogs,” says Tshering Dendup, Mangmi of Chhuzanggang Gewog. “If you look at the population also, there are over 40,000 people that side and here its a little more than 20,000 only,” he adds.
Some members said the issue was discussed thoroughly in the past and its decision must stand
“The present location is stable. Moreover, it is closer to the highway,” says Dorji Wangdi, Gup, Tareythang Gewog.
“The location identified in the middle is not good because when the town expands, there are chances of it being taken. So, we supported keeping the Dzong at its present location. We also have to see whether the government has enough budget because if we move the Dzong to another location, a lot of facilities will have to be set up,” explains Ugyen Norbu, the Gup of Umling Gewog.
The Dzongkhag administration agreed the location based on the decisions of the 83rd National Assembly and the 7th Dzongkhag Tshogdu looking at government policies and the convenience of the people.
Four places were identified for the construction of the Dzong. These are Shompangkha, Dekidling, Samtenling and the existing location at Sarpang Tar.
