Relocation project benefits Medog villagers

A construction worker is building the government-funded houses in Medog County, Tibet, China. [Photo: Chinaplus]

Sangzenka Village is situated in the northeast of Medog County, Tibet. The region was previously inaccessible from outside due to its mountainous terrain. 

Reaching Medog used to be a dangerous journey. People had to climb over two snow-capped mountains rising over 4,000 meters above sea level. 

The harsh living conditions had forced many local residents to move outside. 

Tselang Yongzen, deputy magistrate of Medog County, explains: "They had to seek a living with their relatives or friends in other areas. They voluntarily moved out of this area. But their household registration has still been with here.”

Things gradually changed after a highway linking Medog and its neighboring Bome County was opened in October, 2013. 

The opening of the highway has greatly lowered transportation costs and commodity prices. It has also brought in economic opportunities for the locals and helped in poverty relief.

Two years after the opening of the highway, local officials of Medog initiated a home-coming relocation project for some 300 residents from the town of Gadang, who are officially designated as impoverished.

Local official Tselang Yongzen says public-funded new houses are being built for them.

"Two hundred and 95 people from 64 families will have to be relocated back to their home villages under this project. The total investment amounts to 45 million yuan. 

"The newly built houses, in various sizes from 90 to 200 square meters, will be allocated to the families according to their actual needs."

The villagers who had migrated to other regions for a living now begin their journey back. 

Tashi from Sangzenka Village says he and his family can move into the government-funded new house by the end of this year. 

"I feel very happy. In the past, this area was inaccessible and our houses were very shabby."

Meanwhile, local officials are devising plans to develop the local economy and increase the income of the villagers. 

Mima, head of Gadang Town, which administers Sangzenka Village, explains: "The high altitudes of about 1,800 meters mean this region is suitable for the growth of tea and pepper. 

"We will provide some technical training for the locals so that they can increase their income through planting corn, barley, and wheat, etc."