Austrian
funded projects on track |
 Projects
under the Austrian bilateral programme in the country are well on track
according to Austrian Coordination Bureau (ACB) coordinator Ms Brigitte
Dekrout. "Austrias main thrust so far was in the Basochhu hydropower project
and we foresee the completion of the project (lower stage) five months
before schedule," she said. Like the upper stage 24 MW project which was
commissioned in 2002 the lower stage of the project is also financed by
a soft loan from Austria. Austria is also providing technical assistance
to ensure that the works conform to the contractual quality and price.
The
restoration of Trongsa dzong
 |
Under
the Euro 2.2 million Trongsa dzong restoration project, the main portal
building and the monk body school are being restored to its original structure.
According to the ACB office, the restoration of the dzong was Bhutan government's
full responsibility while Austria provided expertise in historical Document,
analysis and measures to fortify the deteriorated foundations of the structure. |
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With the restoration work nearing completion, all the activities undertaken
to restore the dzong would be documented that can serve as a future reference
for similar restoration works in the future.
Apart
from the two major projects, the Austrian government has been helping in
the development of the energy sector through training in operation and
maintenance services.
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Rural
electrification is also a priority to reduce poverty and contribute to
the preservation of the environment and job creation. "Rural electrification
is the most important programme to reach out to the disadvantaged people,"
said Brigitte Dekrout. "Only when we have electricity and roads, we are
part of development." |
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Another major initiative in bilateral cooperation
is to strengthen tourism as an industry to increase foreign exchange and
create job opportunities.
One
of the major projects coming up in this sector is the joint establishment
of a hotel and tourism training institute in Thimphu. The Austrian government
has committed Euro 2 million over 10 years to set up the institute that
would be located at the old Motithang Hotel.
Austria
has also been helping in scientific research works on the Lunana glacial
lake outbursts. Research work on the glacial lakes was completed last year
and it was felt that no further assistance was needed starting this year.
The financial assistance will be further complemented by some activities
such as scholarships and co-financing with the private sector.
March
2004 |
