FINAL-QNL with wedding logo...Quarterly Newsletter Page 1

Quarterly Newsletter Page 1

INAUGURATION OF BRIDGES

Three Bridges were inaugurated by the Hon’ble Zhabtog Lyonpo and the

Resident Representative Coordinator of JICA Bhutan Office on Wangdi-

Tsirang Highway on 8th September 2011.

In his opening remarks Director General of the DoR, said the Government

of Japan has been very supportive in the reconstruction of bridges in

Bhutan. During the first phase which began in 2003, the Japanese

government had spent 1.6B Yen to reconstruct several bridges in Mongar,

Bumthang, Trongsa, Zhemgang and Wangduephodrang Dzongkhags.

In the second phase, 1.3B Yen was spent to reconstruct bridges in

Tsirang, Mongar and Dagana

Dzongkhags.

He also informed that in the

Phase III, which began in

November 2009, six bridges are

to be constructed. Two of the Bridges were inaugurated in early July at

Waklaytar and Basochu. Chanchey Bridge was the third bridge to be

inaugurated. Three more bridges are yet to be completed, which will be

done by end of this year and early next year. He expressed appreciation

and gratitude from the Ministry of Works & Human Settlement (MoWHS)

and Department of Road (DoR) to the Government of Japan for the kind

assistance.

Hon’ble Zhabtog Lyonpo said that

the quality of bridges constructed

by engineers from Japan is

Volume: I Issue No: I www.mowhs.gov.bt Date: July – September 2011

MoWHS NEWSLETTER

Inauguration of Bridges: Tsirang (Page: 1-2)

Earthquake Damages (page: 2-4)

Status of Shingkhar–Gorgoan Road (Page: 4-5)

Supreme Court of Bhutan (Page: 5-6)

BUIDP 2011 (Page: 6-7) Guru Trendrel Thongdrel (Page: 8-9) RNP II, DoR (Page: 10-11) Progress of Local Area Plan 2010

(Page: 12) Success Story of Tintaley (Page:13-

17) Water Safety Plan (Page: 17) MTR (Page: 18-19) TFP (Page: 19-20) CAO – MoWHS (Page: 20) Tour Report of Hon’ble Secretary,

MoWHS (Page: 20-22) NHDC & BSB – Delinked (Page: 22)

INSIDE

Hon’ble Zhabtog Lyonpo and Tomoki Nitta Inaugurating Chachey Bridge

Lyonpo Yeshi Zimba at the Inauguration


exemplary. The Bhutanese engineers should take them as examples to follow.

He also said that the bridges will benefit all the people and especially the on-going Punatshangchu Hydro Power Project. He

mentioned the bridge at Chanchey would not only facilitate in diverting heavy vehicles used for carrying machineries for the

hydro project at Punatsangchu but facilitate the transportation of goods between the northern and the southern parts of the

country as well as transportation of goods to India.

Hon’ble Lyonpo also said that the Engineers from Japan have set a high work standard for the engineers in the country. He

said that engineers in the country should learn from them and use the knowledge gained in building new bridges in the

country. “The Government of Bhutan has requested the Japan Government to

consider the financing of Mao-Khola Bridge at Gelephu because there is no better

partner than Japan on bridge technology” he said.

Mr. Tomoki Nitta, the Resident Representative of JICA Bhutan, in his speech said

that the bridges were completed smoothly and on time without any causality. He

shared that the completion of the Chanchey Bridge is another milestone in the history

of friendship between Bhutan and Japan.

He also said that Royal Government of Bhutan has requested for the construction of Mao Khola Bridge at Gelephu which

shows the faith and trust that the Government of Bhutan has in the technology of Japan.

On the later part of the day, Kamichu and Baychu Bridges were inaugurated by the Hon’ble Zhabtog Lyonpo and Tomoki

Nitta, Resident Representative, JICA Bhutan office.

Assessment Report of damages to the Old Building, MoWHS post 18th September 2011 Earthquake

An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Ritcher Scale shook Bhutan especially the western region at around 6:41 PM, BST.

The epicenter was located at 27.723oN, 88.064oE at distance of 64 Km northeast of Gangtok, Sikkim.

Tomoki Nitta, in his inaugural speech

Inauguration of Basochu Bridge by Hon'ble Zhabtog Lyonpo and Tomoki Nitta, RR, JICA Bhutan

Inauguration of Kamichu Bridge by Hon'ble Zhabtog Lyonpo and Tomoki Nitta, RR, JICA Bhutan


As per preliminary assessment of overall damages and people’s perception of the movement, the intensity was believed to

have been in the range of V-VI scale (Strong intensity to Very Strong Intensity) on the modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.

Intensity in terms of Peak Ground Acceleration has not been determined as yet.

Observation of the building

The building is a Re-enforced Cement Concrete (RCC) frame structure

with concrete hollow block infill.

This building was designed and built around 1978-1979. There are no

existing drawings of the building showing structural details of columns,

beams and foundation. It is therefore not known whether the building is

engineered or not. Even if it was designed, it is quite clear that

earthquake resistant design was not considered and instead only designs

for gravity loading was taken into account.

Site Observation

It was found that there has been a significant undulation of exterior

column surface indicating non-uniform column section along the height.

Workmanship therefore is questionable. Cement concrete plaster of walls

were also observed to be of very low quality.

There are extensive cracks in walls on the first and second floor. These

cracks were either horizontal along the bed joints or diagonal shear

cracks. Either way, some of these walls have now detached from the

frame. There is a real risk of these walls failing both in in-plane and out-

plane movement in another similar earthquake.

The RCC frames themselves have suffered some structural damages to

the extent of some cracks in few columns. There are otherwise no major visible

cracks in beams and slabs.

Risk Assessment

There is no eminent risk of the building

collapse or threat to its inhabitants due to

gravity loading. However in the event of a

Old MoWHS Building which was designed & build in 1978-79

Cracks over the wall of the old building (Pic: 1)

Cracks over the beam of the old building

Cracks over the wall in the old building (Pic: 2)


similar or larger earthquake, there is a real risk of the already detached walls to dislodge themselves from the frame and

cause death and injuries to the building inhabitants.

Bhutan is classified to be located in Zone V of the Indian Seismic Map and is therefore expected to experience seismic

intensity of IX and above. At this intensity there would be widespread damage to both structural and non-structural elements

of an RCC building. However buildings that have been designed for a ductile failure whereby inhabitants have a chance to

safely exit the building. The old building, MoWHS however has not incorporated Earthquake Resistant Design (ERD)

features in its design and is therefore likely to suffer sudden and total collapse at these seismic zone V intensities.

Recommendations

The old MoWHS building is deemed deficient mainly due to the fact that earthquake resistant features were not incorporated

in its design. Therefore there is a need to do a detailed assessment of its deficiencies.

Status of Shingkhar – Gorgan Road Construction

The survey of Singkhar-Gorgan Road has been started from two sides, from September 2011. One side is from Selibi,

Gorgan, Lhuentse side and the other from Shingkhar, Bumthang side. The progress of the survey of the road as of 3rd Week

of September 2011 is as follows in two sections;

(I) Status of Road Construction from Selibi side (Gorgan)

As of now approximately 11 km of alignment fixing from Selibi to Pephu has been completed. A detailed survey of 1 km

has been completed and the survey is still ongoing for the rest of the length.

Regarding the construction of the road, the construction will be taken up departmentally for the FY 2011-2012, due to

time constraint for outsourcing of the work. The construction of road is expected to start either by second or third week

of October 2011. The outsourcing of construction machineries for the purpose of road construction has been completed.

Google Earth View of Shingkhar-Gorgoan Road


In case of forestry and environment, clearances are being processed for Selibe-Pephu stretch (12 Km approximately).

As of date forest clearance is expected to be received within the next few days, since all the required field reports have

been submitted.

Department of Road has put requisition of Nu. 30 million for the construction

of the road for the financial year 2011-2012. Presently, the Gross National

Happiness Commission (GNHC) has requested Ministry of Finance (MoF) to

release one third of the requisitioned proposed, i.e. Nu. 10m and the rest is

expected to be released depending on the physical and financial progress.

(II) Status of Road Construction from Shingkhar Site (Bumthang)

Alignment fixing of 10 Km has been completed from Shingkhar – Singmala

stretch. However, explorations of other construction alternatives are

underway. In order to explore other alternatives, a team of surveyor is at the

site.

Supreme Court

Start of the Construction: The construction of the Supreme Court was segregated into many packages and it was being implemented in a phase wise

manner. The actual ground work construction began towards the end of 2007 and to begin with works like Setting –out,

Earth Excavation, Retaining Wall & Site Periphery Protection was started and completed during mid 2008.

Construction Components:- Main structure of the Supreme Court Construction consists of the following buildings:

1. Chief Justice Court

2. Four Justice Courts

3. Registrar Block

4. Court Offices and

5. Library

The works for the Chief Justice and Four Justice Courts was also segregated which consists of structural parts only and the

works of timber, roofing, plumbing and finishing were excluded. The actual works started in December 2008 and February

2009 respectively for Chief Justice and Four Justice Courts. Due to coordination problems works were hampered and they

could not be completed in time. They have now surrendered the remaining works further course of action is pending to be

decided based on the outcome of the Ministerial Level Tender Committee Meeting which will be convened shortly.

Shingkhar Village which will benefit from the Shingkhar-Gorgoan Road


Completion Dateline: Assuming that the time schedule of major construction left for Registrar Block, Court Offices and Library, it is assumed tht it

will be completed by the middle of 2013. But in reality, with the shortages of materials like timber, aggregates and the site

development works like including Local Area Network, Internal Road, Compound Gate, Landscaping, Parking and etcetera

which are in pipe line, it will be difficult to ascertain the completion date accurately.

Below: Supreme Court Building Difficulties in process of Construction:

Although the possessing of required materials is the

responsibilities of contractors but lack of materials in the

market especially timber is a major concern.

Lack of detail planning at initial stage especially the

traditional features was not take care of – these have been

now been rectified by our Architects and Carpenters.

Splitting of works into many packages has caused a lot of coordination problems.

Budget Allocation: Earmarked Budget for the Supreme Court Construction is Nu. 329 million as intimated by the Supreme Court earlier. But

looking at the estimated cost and overall works that needs to be implemented more funds will have to be mobilized by the

clients. This has been intimated to them.

Bhutan Urban Infrastructure Development Project

The Bhutan Urban Infrastructure Development Project (BUIDP) will improve the urban infrastructure, planning, and

management; enhance urban livelihoods; and increase capacity for administering urban infrastructure supply and

maintenance works through four components. The four components include;

Component A for Thimphu: (i) city-level works (water supply, upgrading of the existing wastewater treatment plant, and solid

waste management), and (ii) roads and drainage, and water supply and sewerage connection in four areas of southern

Thimphu extended areas.

Component B for Phuentsholing: (i) roads and drainage, (ii)

footpaths and pedestrian bridge, and (iii) social infrastructure (fire

hydrant and street lights).

Component C for Dagana: (i) water supply and sanitation, and (ii)

road and drainage.

Component D which is for institutional development : (i) technical Road under construction on the way to Dechencholing


support on unaccounted for water and water calibration, (ii) operational efficiency, (iii) public awareness support, and (iv)

Financial management.

The main benefits of the Project will be (i) improved urban

environment, public health, and living standards in Thimphu,

Phuentsholing, and Dagana; (ii) effectively managed, reliable,

and sustainable urban services; and (iii) improved economic

and social conditions from investments in roads and drainage,

water supply and sanitation, solid waste management, and

other urban amenities.

Status of Progress;

Local Plan (LP) in southern Thimphu was initiated in 2001. Road/WS/Sewerage reticulation in Lungtenphu LAP (Pilot

Area) 100% works has been completed on 21 July 2011. In Lungtenphu non-pilot area work progress till date is 34%

and is targeted to be completed within the first quarter of 2012. Laying of sewer lines, installation of manholes and

laying of underground cable ducts both for power & Bhutan Telecom, construction of retaining wall and inspection

chamber for sewer are in full progress in Simtokha LAP. Overall progress is 21%. And for Changbangdu LAP detail

design report for road, water supply and sewer works has been completed. Compensation payment has been made to

all affected land owners.

Land pooling agreement status. (23/08/2011) Percentage Complete

Lungtenphu LAP 100%

Babesa 96%

Changbangdu 97%

Semtokha 100%

Source: PIU, TCC

View of Thimphu Valley


Guru Trendrel Thorndrel

Guru Trendrel Thorndrel measuring 33m by 27 m and weighing one Ton is to be unfolded during the Royal Wedding at the

Changlimithang. The structure to hang, that is to be made with steel scaffoldings of truss system with 50mm thick concrete

slab base measuring 28 metres long by 17 metres wide.

Picture 1: Location South of Ground, Facing North Picture 2: Earth work excavation- completed on 29th August

Picture 3: Compaction by Roller completed on 30th August 2011 Picture 4: Lean concrete (1st Layer) completed on 2nd September 2011

Picture 5: Laying of Rebars Picture 6: Stacking of 20mm stone chips


Picture 7 & 8: Progress of work as of 09/09/2011

Picture 9: Laying of 3rd layer of concrete on 27/09/2011 Picture 10: Progress of work as of 28/09/2011 Work Status

• Earth work excavation- completed on 29th August

• Compaction by Roller completed on 30th august

• Providing and laying of Lean concrete (1st Layer) completed on 2nd September

• Providing and fixing rebar completed on 6th September 2011

• Providing and Laying Reinforcement Concrete (2nd Layer) started on 8th September

• Erection of Scaffolding started on 12th September 2011

• Erection of Scaffolding 8th Layer as of 26th September 2011

• Completion of work by 1st week of October 2011

Constraints during construction

Major constraint during construction has been incessant and continuous rainfall.


ROAD NETWORK PROJECT – II (ADB Grant G0174 BHU) Bhutan is a landlocked country. The country is small in size but rich in its main resources of hydropower, agriculture and

tourism. The country has a major potential for development and has been facing many challenges in establishing a new

democratic country with determination and rapid progress. Lack of good road infrastructure is one of the major constraints

in harnessing the development potential according to the priorities of the government.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is supporting the Department of Roads, Ministry of Works and Human Settlement,

Royal Government of Bhutan through grant assistance through the Road Network Project (RNP-II): Grant No. 0174 BHU.

The objective of the project is the development of the Bhutanese road network along the southern part of the country.

Grant 0174 BHU was approved by ADB on November 10, 2010 with the Grant amount of USD 38.76 million (71.4% of the

total costs). The Royal Government will finance the remaining local cost of USD 15.56 million equivalent to 28.6% of the

total cost, including taxes and duties, land acquisition, remuneration of counterpart staff, office accommodation and other

miscellaneous costs. The overall project costs including Government financing of USD 54.32 million.

Under the Grant 0174: RNP-II, it is proposed to construct approximately 186 km of critical sections of the national highway,

including feeder roads, connected along the southern east-west corridor taking into consideration optimum benefit,

implementation aspects and budget availability. Many of the road sections under consideration will form part of the Southern

East-West Highway, a major road infrastructure development priority for the Tenth Plan, a decision taken in the 82nd

session of the National Assembly. The Tenth Plan states that “The highway will be critical in facilitating industrial

development in the southern economic hubs and special economic zones and integrating them more effectively with their

primary markets in India. Additionally, the Southern East-West Highway will also provide an internal transit route for

Bhutanese passengers and goods”.

As per the guidelines on Road Classification System and Delineation of Construction and Maintenance Responsibilities-

2009, the existing East-West Highway and North- South highways should be constructed as Primary National Highway of

10.50m formation width. However due to huge cost involved in heavy earth cutting and permanent structures, it has been

proposed to construct to Secondary National Highway at the moment with formation width of 7.5m. The project roads of

Secondary National Highways may be upgraded to Primary National Highway in the near future. A number of low cost

construction innovations are considered such as use of galvanized corrugated steel arches for medium sized drainage

structures, introduction of natural granular pavements with cement modified road base and use of rock fill embankments etc.

Packaging for the RNP-II contracts is proposed as International Competitive Bidding (ICB). To enable the shortest possible

practical completion, the longer roads that are accessible from each end are divided into two contract packages whilst still

providing a package of sufficient size to enable investment in specialist plants and equipment.

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Progress of Local Area Plan 2010-2011

Presently Thimphu City Corporation covers an area of 26.132 sq. km stretching

from Babesa in the south to Dechenchholing to the north. The whole of the

municipality is divided into six zones. There are currently 12 LAPs monitored by

different urban planners in the municipality. The project in the northern LAP is

being funded by World Bank and southern LAP by Asian Development Bank

respectively.

As of now the Municipality has approved 239 official site plans for the purpose of

transaction and 495 site plans for the purpose of building development plan for the session 2010-2011. The report also

suggests that there has been high correspondences between the planners and the public and also that there has been lots

of meeting held for the successful implementation of projects in different LAPs. The progress report also suggests that other

than doing their daily planning works, the planners also have to do lots of Ad-hoc activities.

Source: Thimphu Municipality Corporation

On the other hand survey section under Urban Planning Division (UPD), has done the survey of 238 sites and demarcated

519 plots as of now. Survey section has also provided the layout of the sites for 41 plots. Other than their daily works the

surveyors also does the site inspection from time to time.

Source: Thimphu Municipality Corporation

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View of Southern LAP, Thimphu


A Story of Success

INDIGENIOUS LANDSLIDE STABILIZATION AT TINTALEY CARRIED OUT BY THE ENGINEERS OF THE DoR SARPANG FIELD DIVISION

On 9th September 2011 Hon’ble Secretary made a presentation to the head of the departments and the staff of PPD in

MoWHS Conference Hall, to share the information about the indigenous landslide stabilization carried out by the engineers

of the Sarpang Field Division, DoR, at Tintaley. The chronic landslide at Tintaley is located between km 13 and 17 on the

Tsirang-Sunkosh highway. The landslide was triggered by continuous rainfall and seepage of water from the irrigation

channel above the road.

A major landslide had started in July 1998 due to continuous heavy rainfall, which

lasted for 3 days. The road segment within the landslide area was kept under

observation till 2005. In 2005 a road re-alignment was studied to bypass the

landslide area.

Between the year 2000 to 2006, the landslide had regained its natural stability but

in 2007 a heavy landslide occurred at Tintaley due to continuous rainfall

measuring 213.6mm.

In the mean time, the Department of Geology and Mines (DGM) had

conducted geotechnical investigations for the proposed road re-alignment

after which DoR planned to construct a road to bypass the landslide area.

However, Mr. K. Suzuki, a Japanese Geotechnical Specialist, had

recommended that DoR take up mitigation measures to stabilize the landslide

at Tintaley. Considering the economy and geotechnical factors, DoR decided

to take up the restoration of existing road at the landslide with the water

management structures.

Below are some of the photographs showing Tintaley Landslide area surrounded by paddy fields, where water from the

paddy fields infiltrated into the land mass and changed the normal ground water table. A lot of seepages were also

observed at the contact of the landslide toe and vertical rock cliff.

View of Landslide at Tintaley, Tsirang-Sunkosh Highway

View of Landslide area before restoration


Picture 1: Panoramic view of Tintaley Slide Area

Picture 2: Seepage at the contact of the slide toe

Picture 3: Spring Water along the road

Seepage at the toe of slide (yellowish color)

Spring at Upper Road Level Spring in the slide mass above the lower bench of the road


EXPENDITURE INCURRED ON THE REHABILITATION WORK

The total rehabilitation cost incurred as of June 2011 was Nu.16.000 million.

Currently a budget of Nu.3.000 million is available to carry out drainage works and some more bio-engineering

works.

Remedial Measures Initiated

• In consultation with the Geotechnical Engineer, remedial measures taken are construction of water management

structures like periodic repair of the irrigation channel, construction of chutes, French drains, gabion and RRM walls

along the slope

• Bio-engineering works combined with other structures were initiated by the Division

Below shown are some of the photographs showing the remedial measures carried out by the engineers of the DoR Sarpang Field

Division

Picture 1: Water Management Measures Picture 2: Subsurface Drains

Picture 3: Concrete toe wall construction site Picture 4: Main landslide area


Picture 5: Gabion Wall Construction Picture 6: RCC Wall with Gabion

Picture 7: Slide area before plantation Picture 8: Slide area after plantation

Picture 9: Concrete crib wall under construction Picture 10: Concrete crib wall + Bio-Engineering


Picture 11: Drum Walls & Bio-engineering works Picture 12: Road after Mitigation works

Water Safety Plans: Policy and Institutional strengthening and scaling up Second Stakeholders’ Meeting Water Safety Plans (WSPs) Policy and Institutional Strengthening and Scaling up Second stakeholders’ meeting were held

at Bumthang from 10th to 14th April 2011. The stake holder meeting was supported by WHO-Ausaid funding and attended

by international participants from five member countries i.e Nepal, Bangladesh, Phillipines, Laos and Vietnam. The stake

holder meeting was inaugurated by Hon’ble Zhabtog Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba. Bhutan has implemented WSP’s in five urban

towns by MoWHS (Haa, Phuentsholing, Paro, Punakha and Gelpehu) with the funding from WHO-AusAid.

The objectives of this meeting were:

To establish that Phase 2 projects is on track for all six countries and, if not,

how it will be corrected

To identify how well some of the bigger WSPs in Phases 1 and 2 have been

implemented and agree key lessons learned and consequences for future training and

implementation of WSPs.

To identify opportunities for using WSPs in investment planning in the six Phase

2 countries in Phase 3.

To identify the main components of global impact assessment programme and

to evaluate how each of the six countries can contribute to this programme.

Agree all main activities for inclusion in the Phase 3 proposal.

Hon'ble Zhabtog Lyonpo with the delegates from different countries


MTR Decisions

Central MTR Decisions

In general the progress under the Ministry of Works & Human Settlement for the period two and half years of the 10 FYP

was appreciated and the organization concerned advised to continue to keep up the good works. Some of the major

decisions/follow up actions required are outlined below:

Department of Roads

DoR was cautioned to give due diligence to road geometric improvement with the aim not only to shorten distance

but to keep the comfort of the road users in mind.

Expedite the finalization of the proposal on connecting the villages across the Mao River: Initially, it was planned to

connect the villages across Mao River with a ropeway by a private firm from India. But the ropeway is no longer

considered suitable. The DoR has been directed to prepare plans to construct series of Bailey bridges across the

Mao Khola.

DoR directed to prepare a report on Shingkhar-Metsho by pass road to Lhuentse incorporating the views of the

respective constituency Members of Parliament: The report/proposal was already submitted to the Cabinet

Secretariat and GNHC. The MTR meeting at Lhuentse already approved the initiation of construction during the 10

FYP.

Urban Development

Submit definite implementation dates for Denchi and Nanglam town infrastructure development: Fund has been

approved by MoF for land acquisition at Denchi and the Dzongkhag is already in the process of taking over the

land. The budget for construction works is under discussion with the Ministry of Finance while the water supply

scheme is under construction.

Ensure sustainable solid waste management for Thimphu City: Survey for the core city is already done. The work

will be outsourced to a private company. The segregation of waste at source is being initiated in selected areas to

gain experience and to identify issues before outsourcing the scheme. Waste collection and segregation is to be

taken up on the basis of Public Private Partnership model.

Local Government (LG) MTR Decisions

During the LG Mid Term Review meeting of the 10th FYP, DoR was instructed to take over the construction of certain farm

roads and bridges, which served large remote communities and were vital for the overall development in health, education,

rural electrification, etc. Such roads were, given long distances and rugged terrain, were difficult for the Dzongkhags to

construct.

Construction of Dorokha - Dechukha farm road (30.12 km) & Bridge (1 No. – 180 meter span)

Construction of Jomotsangkha - Lauri farm road (38.66 km) & Bridge (1 No.)


Construction of Toribari - Dovan farm road (35.5 km) & Bridge (1 No. – 50 meter span) and rectification work for 8.5

km including 3 km of FC work.

Tingkarbi - Silambi farm road (51 km (approx.) including 2 motorable bridges)

During the Sarpang Dzongkhag MTR, MoWHS was directed to create a new unit (i.e. River Protection Unit) under the

Department of Urban Development and Engineering Services (DUDES) to address the problems related to flood mitigation

in the southern belts. This newly created unit shall carry out all the works related to river training both long term as well as

short term.

Pedestrianzation of Norzinlam as enshrined in the Thimphu Structure Plan (TSP): As this has been a long outside issue

since 2003 but has not taken off so far, Thimphu Thromde recommended the requirement of other complimentary projects

like construction of multi level parking to realize the efforts to pedestrianaze the street. The meeting endorsed the Thimphu

Thromde’s proposal and appreciated efforts being considered.

Uncontrolled development of the periphery of the Throm boundary has been identified as a major issue to be resolved by

DUDES.

Thimphu Thromde proposed introducing an efficient and convenient public transport service from Ngaberongchu to

Dechenchholing using 50-60 seated bus in order to minimize the use of private vehicles in that area: The meeting supported

their suggestion and Thimphu Thromde was advised to start with a small bus services in Mothithang area as well.

Development of few overhead pedestrian bridges to reduce the traffic congestion: The meeting supported Thimphu

Thromde’s idea and advised them to come up with a sample drawing of the pedestrian bridge and discuss on it with

MoHCA, however Thimphu Thromde and MoWHS could decide on the location.

Thromde Finance Policy

Thromde Finance Policy (TFP) is framed in accordance with provisions in Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Local

Government Act of Bhutan 2009, Public Finance Act, 2007 and Thromde Act of Bhutan, 2007. Thromde Finance Policy

shall provide guidelines to Thromdes for public resource mobilisation and prudent financial management of those resources.

The TFP is formulated based on study of several past reports in this area and some other relevant research documents,

studies, publications and best practices.

Purpose

The purpose of TFP is to provide a policy framework for generating adequate and sustainable financial resources for

maintenance of existing infrastructure assets as well as for creating adequate new infrastructure assets and also managing

those resources prudently in a transparent and accountable manner, while contributing significantly to GNH in a positive

way.


While framing TFP, it is well recognized and understood that generation and management of Thromde finance is only a

means to the end objective of delivery of efficient and cost effective services and satisfied and happier citizens.

Application

The TFP will be applicable to all Thromdes as desired by the government.

Effective Date

The draft policy is currently being reviewed by Policy and Planning Division (PPD), MoWHS and Ministry of Finance (MoF) .

After revision, it will be presented to the Cabinet for the approval. This policy will be implemented after approval.

Ministry gets new Officiating CAO

The ministry of Works & Human Settlements had been functioning without a Chief Administrative Officer for the past few

years. After discussions held internally among the various stakeholders in the ministry, it was decided that having a Chief

Administrative Officer would further contribute to the smooth functioning of the ministry.

The post had been lying vacant as several vacancy announcements advertised for the post by the Royal Civil Service

Commission had failed to attract any prospective applicant for the post. On 13 September 2011, Mr.Jambay Nima, Sr.

Procurement Officer was made the Officiating CAO. He was selected from the three most qualified officials from the

Administration and Finance Division based on the criteria of the Bhutan Civil Service Rules 2010.

With this new arrangement, it is hoped that there would be better coordination between the various units like the

Procurement, Accounts, Administration & Finance, and ICT.

TOUR REPORT ON MoWHS SECRETARY’S VISIT TO PUNAKHA, WANGDUE, TSIRANG AND SARPANG DZONGKHGS FROM

25-30 AUGUST 2011

Hon’ble Secretary was on tour to Punakha Dzongkhag to inspect the Chadi works being carried out for the Royal Wedding.

He also visited Wangdue, Tsirang and Sarpang Dzongkhag met the Dasho Dzongdas, DoR field Engineers and Dzongkhag

Engineering staff and also inspected the site works. During the tour he discussed the challenges and constraints faced by

the Dzongkhag Engineers and the Field Divisions. He particularly mentioned about

the need to maintain the existing road network to improve the level of service on an

incremental basis annually. It was also strongly emphasized the need for the

division to plan and monitor road construction and maintenance activities under its

jurisdiction to enhance its efficiency and productivity. Hon’ble Secretary advised the

staff in general, that they should be progressive and proactive.

Lobeysa field division informed that the pavement on the highway between Thimphu

and Lobeysa was deteriorating rapidly due to the increase in heavy vehicles

generated by the hydro power projects. Executive engineer reported that the fund

Meeting with the staff of DoR Lobeysa field division (25 Aug 2011)


released by PHPA - Phase I and II for deposit work for improvement of the Wangdue-Tsirang highway was not adequate

and that additional fund was required.

Secretary also met with the land owners of Bajo town and informed that he had received instruction from the Hon’ble

Lyonpo to discuss with the Dzongkhag and listen to the grievances of the land owners of Bajo town with regard to the

deadline for shifting the commercial activities to the new town within the mutually agreed deadline of 31st August 2011;The

Secretary clarified that all matters pertaining to administrative issues primarily lie within the jurisdiction of the local

government, but extension of the deadline for movement to the new town was made by Honorable Lyonpo on the command

of HM the king.

During the discussion some owners raised the concern that there are many shopkeepers at Gangteythangka who did not

qualify to get a plot of land at Bajo as they do not have the capacity to hire shopping space at high rent as most of these

houses were constructed with loans from financial institutions.

Secretary informed that the issue related to allotment of 12 additional plots to 24 people in joint ownership was under

investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and that

ACC was yet to convey their findings;

Secretary also had a brief meeting with the officers and staff of the

Western Operations, Construction Development Corporation

(CDCL) at Hesothangka.

Secretary shared that corporatization of CDCL was initiated by

Hon’ble Lyonpo himself and today it stands as one organization

which made a marked achievement in terms of project

accomplishments and employment of Bhutanese youth. He said

that establishment of CDCL has greatly enhanced the image of the ministry. He also said that CDCL was the only

corporation, which is fully staffed with Bhutanese. The Secretary expressed his happiness and satisfaction with the good job

CDCL was doing and conveyed the appreciation of the Hon’ble Zhabtog Lyonpo on performance of CDCL.

He said that the staffs of CDCL are the only group of educated youth of Bhutan who are working with their hand and asked

the staff of Western Operations to keep up the good work and set examples to other organizations.

INTERSHIP ARRANGEMENT FOR DoR ENGINEERS

He also shared that in order to develop in-house capacity of DoR in bridge construction and to ensure effective transfer of

technology, Secretary proposed that engineers of DoR should be nominated as interns to the bridge construction projects

being carried out by Japanese bridge experts. For this it was felt that MoWHS and JICA should draw a formal agreement for

this arrangement.

Meeting with the staff of CDCL Western Operations, Hesothangka (26 Aug 2011)


On meeting with the staff of DoR Sarpang Field Division, Executive Engineer reported that the Sarpang division took over

the construction of 44 km of Dovan farm road from the Sarpang Dzongkhag Administration on 2nd June 2011. The 8.5 km of

formation cutting completed by the Dzongkhag in 2008 was in a very poor condition when the road was taken over by the

division. To date the division had completed re-construction of 8.5 km of formation cutting and completed new formation

cutting of 500 m on rocky terrain.

The Secretary stressed the need for the division to initially strive to take the road up to Mao Gaon to provide connectivity to

maximum households. The road beyond Mao Gaon could be constructed later. He instructed the executive engineer to

mark the alignment of Dovan road on Google Earth for information of all concerned.

Bridge over Mao Khola

Sarpang Division also pointed out that the bridge over Mao Khola must be taken up by the ministry with whatever

arrangement that can be made by the government. If it is not possible to bring in any donor, ministry must start it by this

winter with piers constructed with broken spans consisting of 5-6 big

piers. Sarpang field division was directed to come up with an idea on

this.

Meeting with Gelephu Thromde officials

The Secretary informed the floor that Gelephu has a great potential to

develop as one of the biggest towns in the country in view of its

location, expanse and space available.

He said that the primary responsibility of MoWHS to the Thromde is to

provide support in terms of framing appropriate policies and technical backstopping.

Secretary mentioned that he has initiated some discussion with NLCS and they have agreed to hand over the LAP I land

records by September 2011. He also said that the requirement of technical personnel to match with the new responsibilities

examples; Urban planners, architects structural engineers is essential and ministry shall try to mobilize them as soon as

possible.

Meeting with the Gelephu Thromde officials (27 Aug 2011)

De-linking of NHDC

The National Housing Development Corporation (NHDC) has been delinked from the Civil Service with effect from June 1, 2011, along with 51 regular civil servants.

De-linking of BSB

Bhutan Standard Bureau along with the employees has been delinked from Ministry of Works & Human Settlement with effect from September 8, 2011.

Documents

FINAL-QNL with wedding logo...Quarterly Newsletter Page 1