The reconstruction of Pelri Goenpa Lhakhang in Drujeygang Gewog in Dagana is still incomplete. The people are now accusing the reconstruction committee of misusing the fund. The committee comprises four local residents. More than Nu 21 M has been spent so far.
Located just above the Drujeygang Gewog office, the works to reconstruct a two-storied Lhakhang began in 2018. The Lhakhang has no roof. The wall paintings and other interior works are yet to start.
“Every household here contributed 15 days of free labour for the Lhakhang reconstruction. Despite spending huge amounts and support from the people, the work is still incomplete. When the works are left incomplete for a long duration, the rain especially during summer damages Lhakhang more,” said Tshering Tashi, a resident of Drukjeygang Gewog.
“We heard there is a shortage of timber despite contributing enough timbers. There seems to be some kind of corruption is not making the best use of timbers. We have contributed timber, which is enough for the construction of two Lhakhang,” said Thinley Wangchuk, another resident.
People said the work should have been complete with the budget invested so far.
“The people here think that the committee might have misused the money. We have contributed enough timber and labour. The Lhakhang reconstruction should have been completed by now,” said Tshering Tashi, another resident.
“For a small Lhakhang construction project funded by the government, the committee has recruited temporary staff like store in-charge and a person-in-charge for attendance. These works could have been easily handled by a supervisor. The payment structure is also not in line with the government’s guidelines. This could be the reason for losing a huge chunk of the budget,” said Thinley Wangchuk, a resident.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the committee denied the allegations.
“We couldn’t get large timbers from the localities. Just recently, we have decided to bring large timbers from Kamichu in Wangdue Phodrang. A huge amount has been spent on the Lhakhang because the Lhakhang is huge. We have also spent a huge chunk of our budget on wood carving. If not for the pandemic, the Lhakhang reconstruction works would have been completed a few months ago,” said Sherub Dorji, the Acting Chairman of the Lhakhang reconstruction.
He also said the committee members who are engaged in everyday work are paid only during working days. But now, the Gewog administration will take over the work and complete it before monsoon.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Sangay Chezom
