Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) president Pema Gyamtsho has refuted allegation of privatizing hydropower projects in the country.
During his tour in Chhukha and Samtse last week, Pema Gyamtsho said privatizing hydropower projects is nowhere mentioned in their party’s manifesto.
He explained that the party has promised to promote private sectors’ participation, but not privatize the hydropower construction projects.
“It is totally false and promoting false news which is untrue,” he said, adding that the party, if it forms the government, however will look into the possibility of allocating the development of micro hydropower plants, but not the mega ones, to the private sector.
“That will also happen if the community and the private companies are genuinely interested and we will explore the possibility. With the inability and the lack of capacities, the country’s private sector is still too incompetent to start the country’s mega hydropower projects,” he added.
DPT president said the privatization would also undermine the bilateral agreements made between the two governments of Bhutan and India and India who has funded the projects till now. “We have only promised to involve private sectors in micro projects,” he said.
He also said that the party, if it forms the government, will expedite the construction of mega power projects which are ongoing. Also the party will start three other hydropower projects.
Hydropower being the primary source of national revenue, the president assured to expedite ongoing hydropower projects and start new projects if the party comes to power.
“Bunakha and Wangchhu hydropower projects in Chhukha will also get started in collaboration with the Indian government. It’s already in the plan and we will work with the Indian government,” Pema Gyamtsho said.
The DPT president also assured development of the Gedu town by promoting tourism in the country.
“The party has already charted plans and policies to promote regional tourists where Gedu will be benefitted the most by offering meals for the travelers. If rules are made clear keeping in mind the security of the nation, we can promote tourism and develop towns,” he added.
Also, DPT has a plan to set up a technical institute in Gedu if the party comes to power. Apart from these, the party, if it wins, will continue to focus on providing farm roads and medical services and addressing drinking water shortage problems in the country.
“The previous governments have done and we will continue providing necessary facilities, which is our priority,” he said, assuring that the party will work towards making the country self reliant by 2025.
Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa president Lotay Tshering reaches Trongsa yesterday to campaign for the general round of the third parliamentary elections yesterday.
Krishna Ghalley from Gedu
