Has the National Housing Development Corporation lost its fangs? Government rules clearly state that government houses are meant for civil servants but we still see some who continue occupying government quarters even after their resignation from the civil service despite notices. What we see are people pursuing double benefits; higher corporate salary and civil service perks. Well we simply can’t eat the cake and have it too, can we?
What are the problems associated with this lapse in government policy? Firstly it sets precedence and people leaving the civil service will prolong or continue living in government quarters in future. Secondly, it gives a reason for disgruntled civil servants to complain, especially those who bear the burden of high rental in private houses. And lastly, when such incidents occur, we are reminded once again that corruption in our society cannot be uprooted if our existing system cannot even take care of such mundane problems.
In Thimphu with its own housing problems, non-compliance to vacate a house on time creates a chain of discomforts. When Mr. A refuses to move out on time Mr. B cannot move in. Mrs. C who is waiting to move into Mr. B’s apartment is left stranded and Ms. D waiting to move when Mrs. C vacates is frustrated and the chain is endless. The situation becomes dire with most people waiting for an auspicious day to shift. In brief A’s reluctance causes a chain of confusion. But does Mr. A know this or does the authority care?
If there is a problem there has to be a solution somewhere. My concern is not the person occupying government quarters but the authority’s inability to take action and its indifference to the whole problem. From my traditionally carved window I see many solutions which can be adopted. The task of evicting tenants is not simple but if rules are in place and the procedures clear, I don’t see why they can’t be implemented.
Drivers continue to park in no parking zones and take wrong turns. People still spit and throw their chewing gum wrappers on the street & shopkeepers stack up their shelves with expired goods. What are the authorities doing? It is time we gave up a little of our Buddhist complacency and work towards making people’s life easier. I would have preferred to get my apartment the easy way out instead of after having to highlight the issue through this letter.
Sonam Tobgye
Upper Motithang
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