November 28: The new Dagana town plan was started in early 2000. Since then, Three Dzongdas have come to Dagana but the plan has yet to take off and the people are still living in huts.

These huts have no proper drainage system, toilets or proper sanitation. Some of the huts are 20 to 30 years old.

In 2001- 2002, engineers in consultation with the people identified the current site for a new township. In 2003 some 32 plots were distributed to the residents. About 12 plot owners have already constructed houses in the new town site. They have even rented flats to others.

But in 2005, the ministry of works and human settlement stopped the rest of the plot owners from constructing houses following a big land slide in the area. After that, there were no constructions or developmental activities.

The incumbent Dzongda is however determined to do something about it. He said he will first relocate all the people in the area to some other place so that their businesses and other activities will not be hampered. Then, the Dzongkhag administration will initiate bio-engineering works in the current town site.

The Ministry of Works and Human Settlement carried out a geological study last year. According to the report the site is not suitable for a township.

The Dzongda said the site could be stabilized by constructing proper drainage systems and retaining walls. He said unless something is done, people will have to continue living in these huts even longer.

Some of the residents said if the site is not suitable, they are not ready to invest money by constructing houses. Those who have already constructed houses say they are running on a loss as they have already shifted their shops in the new houses and customers still visit the old huts.