Project Ref (2025-3): Sustainable Township Management and Capacity Development-ADB Loan 4019-BHU: Phuentsholing Township Development Project

Narrative:

The consultancy aims to support the PTDP by establishing a globally benchmarked township management system aligned with Bhutanese laws. This includes assisting DHI/CDCL in setting up and operationalizing a governance entity, delivering comprehensive township management plans across various domains (e.g., HR, finance, PR, infrastructure, IT, social and civic services), and identifying and implementing capacity development programs for township staff.

Following were the major scope of the assignment:

• Integration with existing Phuentsholing Thromde: i. Study and clarify the roles between Phuentsholing Thromde and PTDP. Develop a detailed integration plan with Phuentsholing Thromde that will enable PTDP to coexist and function within existing legal framework and help achieve the overall PTDP mandates. ii. Draft a MoU/legal arrangement between Phuentsholing Thromde and PTDP.
• Urban Planning: Review the PTDP masterplan and draft Development Control Regulations (DCR), and provide recommendations on the draft DCR to align with the masterplan.
• Township Management Plan: i. Review PTDP’s vision and objectives to propose an effective Township Management Plan (TMP), including three governance options. Support DHI/CDCL in instituting and stabilizing the chosen entity. ii. Prepare a phased implementation plan for sustainable township management, with clear goals and action plans for the short, medium, and long term. iii. Provide Terms of Reference for all HR positions under the TMP. iv. Review existing policies, rules, and regulations; draft complementary documents as needed. v. Identify key business processes and services for smart and sustainable urban development. vi. Develop required SOPs, forms, and related documentation. vii. Detail O&M plans for essential urban services (e.g., waste, water, sewage, power, internet, landscaping), including contingency measures (Plan-B) for service disruptions.
• Planning and Implementation of IT Management Systems: i. Study and recommend platforms for smart and effective township management systems and Township Information Systems, billing and accounting platforms at par with best global practices. ii. Based on the accepted Township Management System and Township Information Systems, recommend and assist the executing agency in procurement of hardware and software to operate the Township management system. iii. Study and recommend machineries and equipment required for the effective management of township.
• Capacity Development: i. Organize a study tour to explore best practices in township management. ii. Develop a Capacity Development Plan (CDP) for PTDP and Phuentsholing Thromde officials, aligned with the Township Management Plan. iii. In consultation with DHI/CDCL, identify three key capacity needs and deliver targeted trainings, workshops, or seminars; logistics are covered under the provisional sum.