Backstopping of the Suspension Bridge Programme in Bhutan

How can a bridge programme foster decentralisation processes and promote good governance?
(Suspension Bridge Programme of SDC/Helvetas Bhutan)

For the vast majority of people in the rural areas of Bhutan, walking is the only means of personal travel and goods transportation. As such, footpaths, mule tracks and pedestrian bridges are a prerequisite for improving mobility and access. Although Bhutan has a long tradition of bridge building, advanced technologies become necessary when wider rivers have to be crossed.

In 1985 the Swiss involvement through SDC/Helvetas in the Suspension Bridge Programme (SBP) started and since then more than 300 bridges have been constructed through financial and technical assistance. In 2002, the Royal Government of Bhutan introduced a new decentralisation act (Chathrim 2002). This act delegates financial and operational responsibilities to the Geog level (smallest administrative division of the districts). Although Bhutan has a tradition of community participation in development activities, Chathrim 2002 gives Geogs more democratic legitimacy, political powers and financial and operational responsibilities. The new system provides both opportunities and challenges to the communities for the implementation of the Bridge Programme, particularly where maintenance is concerned - since this key factor has been neglected in the past.

Against the backdrop of delegating decision-making power (together with the management and administration of funds) to the lowest administrational level possible, the SBP offers an excellent mechanism for strengthening local institutional structures and promoting good governance through targeted capacity building measures. Skat is supporting SBP in these efforts through regular conceptual backstopping and conceptual programme support.