Trongsa’s National Council Representative, MP Tharchen says Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority’s activities under its Corporate Social Responsibility are not prioritised. MHPA has allocated Nu 200 M for 27 social, cultural and environment activities in Trongsa.
“There is a total lack of coordination in identifying the needs of the community,” says MP Tharchen. He said the activities should have been implemented with close consultation officials from the Dzongkhag.
“I feel we failed miserably.” MP Tharchen says after he spoke to the people and local government representatives, he found out they were not informed to identify their needs. “For example is archery ground the priority for the people of Trongsa Dzongkhag?”
Ten activities, worth Nu 60 MN, have already been implemented in the dzongkhag.
The activities include construction of water treatment plant, parking lots and dzong renovation. Construction of Basic Health Unit and livestock promotions are also some of the activities identified to be implemented through the budget.
Langthil’s Mangmi, Rinzin Wangchuk said they are not asking the project to give them money. “But it would be been better if they had at least distributed it in a proper manner.”
People affected by the project have not benefitted from the allocated amount, according to Dhangdoong’s Tshogpa, Lhendrup. “They say they have given us money but it has not benefitted us at all.”
Mangdechhu’s Joint Managing Director, Chencho Tshering said they identified the activities only after several discussions with gups and sector heads in the dzongkhag.
He said they had 10 coordination meetings with every gup, and sector heads. “We have proofs of the meetings. In the project, Ministry of Agriculture is involved; forest officials and doctors are involved.”
He said the dzongkhag has the sectors from all the ministries. “They are supposed to be responsible.”
Chencho Tshering said they have made it clear how 200 MN should be used.
