Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing thromde handed over the children park in Kabreytar to the local community for better services and development yesterday.

Officials said it is also to engage the community members.

A Kabreytar resident, Hem Kumar Ghalley, said the local community will act like the caretaker.

“Children from other communities can come as well but it will be our duty to take care of the park,” he said, adding the community should come forward with such responsibility. “We may also use the park for other community activities.”

The tshogpa, Sharmila Limbu, said people within the community can now participate in sharing ideas for the development and better services of the park.

“We will also explore ideas for its sustenance,” she said.

Thromde officials said that it is a pilot project and if it works out well, such facilities, including upcoming ones, in other communities will also be handed over to the people.

Phuentsholing thrompon, Uttar Kumar Rai, said that there are many other aspects they have considered while taking the initiative.

“We have expansive local area plans (LAP) and are faced with shortage of manpower and sustainability issues,” he said, adding that the services will be more effective if communities are involved.

He claimed it is a localised solution.

The thrompon also said that the initiative has been carried out as per the Local Government Act.

“Engaging people will also bring about a sense of belongingness among themselves and get to know each other better.”

He said all residents from the community such as the building owners and tenants can participate.

“We are giving them the authority on how to use it and how to develop it.”

According to the thrompon, thromde will also assist and support whenever necessary.