Drinking water shortage is nothing new for the residents of Samdrup Jongkhar. Many experience it throughout the year. With temperatures soaring, the need for water for daily use is felt even more.
The NPPF housing colony, popularly known as Pension Board Colony looks beautiful with lush green surrounding. The four storied cluster of buildings housing civil servants and their families are short of one basic necessity, uninterrupted supply of drinking water. Residents in other parts of the town also face similar situation. With temperature soaring, the need for water too has increased. A health worker, Sonam Dendup is worried about the water problem. When water comes everyone has to rush and wait in line he added.
Women and children waiting in lines with empty buckets and jerry cans is an everyday scene for almost a month now. On weekends men join the queue where water is made available for some hours daily. House wives said they have to manage and keep the homes going, even though it is not at all easy. We sometimes go to the river to fetch water but can carry only about 10 liters and it’s not enough”, said Leki Dema.
According to the Thromde office the water pump located 4 kilometres from the town is old and often gives problem. A cleaning and maintenance was carried out at the pump this week. Despite efforts by the thromdey the water problem in Samdrup Jongkhar persists.
