The workshop for the formulation of the Southern Central Regional Plan for Sarpang Dzongkhag was conducted today. The purpose of the workshop was to create a platform for group discussion and problem identification by engaging multi-sectoral stakeholders. JICA through its Technical Cooperation is assisting the Department of Human Settlement (DHS) to carry out the preparation of the Southern Central Regional Plan.
Background
JICA supported the formulation of the Comprehensive National Development Plan 2030 (CNDP 2030) in 2017 -2019 to reduce regional disparity and promote balanced development in Bhutan. One of the strategies proposed in the CNDP is the concept of Regional Centres(RCs) through the establishment of Linked Urban Centres(LUCs) in various parts of the country to promote balanced development between the urban and rural areas. The Sarpang/Gelephu LUC is one of the five LUC’s identified in the CNDP 2030. Further, a preliminary study conducted by the Department along the Sarpang-Gelephu Corridor also supplemented the need for such a region-wide plan due to its huge future growth potential.
Therefore, to facilitate orderly and systematic development & growth of the region, JICA through its Technical Cooperation is assisting the Department of Human Settlement (DHS) to carry out the preparation of the Southern Central Regional Plan. The project is the epitome of collaboration between the Ministry, Local Governments, JICA, and other agencies.