Tarayana Foundation, with the support of Bhutan National Bank (BNB), will build houses for thirty families in Jurmi Gewog, Mongar.

BNB has donated Nu 2.25 million for the construction of houses.

The contribution is part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR). The BNB has donated about Nu 10 million for various CSR activities since 2016.

Kipchu Tshering, BNB chief executive officer, handed over the cheques to the foundation’s secretary general, Chime P Wangdi, yesterday.

Her Majesty The Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, during her visit to Tarayana sites in Khengkhar Gewog, had made this commitment to help build house for the houseless people in the gewog.

Sonam Pem, foundation’s director of programme, said that the people of the community had requested Her Majesty to help construct house for the needy villagers.

“Paperwork has already begun, and we will start the construction as soon as possible,” said Sonam Pem. “We plan to raise funds for the remaining 120 houses”

Sonam Pem said that each two-storey traditional house could cost Nu 75,000 and would be completed in two months. The house would be constructed based on the model developed by the foundation.

Fund would be provided only for the materials. The people of the community will contribute labour.

“The community will help in construction, and this is aimed at building community vitality and bonding. We will provide the skilled carpenters,” said Sonam Pem.

Based on the standard procedure like physical verification, foundation helps to either construct or renovates houses for the people in remote villages.

Sonam Pem added there are many people who face similar situation and have approached foundation for such assistance through gup, dzongkhag, or personally.

However budget constraints has limited their ability to help them.

The foundation has so far helped to build 1,350 rural homes in 10 dzongkhags.

Yangchen C Rinzin 

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