The construction of contentious Lhakhang Karpo continues to progress even as the Office of Attorney General and seven defendants, including Foreign Minister, fight a legal battle at Haa District Court.
It has been a little more than five years since construction of the Lhakhang began.
The project was delayed by eight months in 2013 as the drawing and design of some of the structure had to be revised. Works resumed in June, last year, after the dzongkhag officials received an order from the home ministry.
The project officials, involved in the renovation of Lhakhang Karpo, are hoping to complete the works by mid-next year.
The major aspect of the project includes the construction of hostel.
Budget officer, Tshewang Dema said 75 percent of the monk’s hostel has been completed.
She also said a few additional structures such as dining hall, kitchen and classrooms still needs to come constructed. “Because of the limited space within the site, the structures could not be constructed simultaneously.”
The project was conceived at a cost of Nu.150 M. Around Nu.56 M has been spent so far.
Charges against the foreign minister, Rinzin Dorje, who has been granted an “authorised absence” by the government and six other defendants, were read out, yesterday.
The Foreign Minister, Rinzin Dorje has been charged with favouring a local saw-miller by awarding timber sawing works worth Nu. 1.4M without approval of the tender committee.
Most of the charges were against the Project Engineer, Tashi Gyeltshen. He was charged for embezzlement, abuse of function, forgery and bribery. Tashi Gyeltshen was also allegedly involved in soliciting and accepting bribery, forging fictional bids among others.
