The construction of modern-style one-storey houses in rural areas will require construction drawings considering the safety of the people. The infrastructure and transport minister said this during the National Assembly session today. He added that the ministry will provide drawings free of cost. During the last session of the National Assembly, the House unanimously agreed to do away with the requirement of structural drawings for the construction of one-storey houses while the government will provide free drawings for two-storied and above buildings in rural areas.
According to the minister, after the National Assembly endorsed that the construction of one-storey houses would not require drawings, the matter was discussed with the engineers and architects in the ministry.
“When the ministry deliberated on the construction drawings not required for one-storey houses with the technical experts such as engineers and architects, there are different types of one-storey houses. Some one-storey houses are six metres in height. So, if they are not categorised and if we just generalise that drawings are not required, then it will be risky in the future. In order to do that the district engineers and experts are working on it,” said Dorji Tshering, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport.
However, some Members of Parliament raised concerns as the ministry reversed the decision after the National Assembly endorsed it.
“I feel that an executive order could have implemented the National Assembly’s decision. But that was not done. The experts changing the decision will set a bad precedent in the future. The decision made by the parliament should be acknowledged, if not in the future there will be times when ministries and agencies will say the policy passed by the parliament is not good and might not be implemented. On behalf of the people, I would like to request the ministry to acknowledge the ninth session’s decision,” said Ugyen Dorji, Dewathang_Gomdar MP.
“Although I do not know much about construction, I feel the height of the houses will not pose a major risk. Even if the structure is tall, there will be poles installed accordingly. The system to provide construction drawings should be accelerated in rural areas. However, my main worry is about delivering the service on time,” said Ugyen Wangdi, Dramedtse_Ngatshang MP.
Likewise, Gangzur_Minjey’s MP Kinga Penjor questioned if the government would be in a position to provide timely structural drawings fulfilling the desires of people, and landscape and take accountability.
“It is said that this is being done to ensure the rigidity of the houses. Two-storey buildings and above have to be approved which is fine. But when it comes to the requirement of structural drawing for one-storey houses, does it guarantee safety? Will the service provider take accountability for it? In case of an earthquake, what if the house is destroyed? How much accountability can the experts take for their work? Lastly, it should be made clear in that matter too.”
According to the Bhutan Building Regulation 2023, construction of traditional houses using traditional construction techniques and local materials, small structures for agriculture storage facilities and cow sheds in rural areas shall not require the drawings.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Tshering Zam
