The long-standing drinking water crisis of Norboogang-Rinchenzor chiwog under Norboogang Gewog in Pema Gatshel will be addressed soon. The chiwog is included in the government’s Water Flagship Programme.
Through the Flagship Programme, a new water source has been identified for the chiwog.
“The source has been identified at Tokaphung, which is over 12 kilometres away from here. The district engineer also visited the site to see if it is feasible to draw. He said it is possible to draw water from there,” said Khandu, from Norboogang Gewog.
“We were informed that the survey works will start soon. We are looking forward to it because one of our main problems, which is a water shortage, will be solved,” added Lungpo, from the same gewog.
The district engineer shared that all paper works related to the construction of the new water source will be complete this year. People can expect a reliable drinking water supply by next year.
“We are working with the Works and Human Settlement Ministry on the project’s cost estimate. We will collaborate with the Ministry regarding the design as well. We cannot start the construction immediately because the master plan was finalised only recently. We will, however, complete all other works by this year,” said Sonam Jamtsho, the District Engineer of Pema Gatshel.
Today, due to drinking water scarcity, fetching water from nearby sources and storing it in containers has been a routine practice for the chiwog’s residents.
“Water scarcity is severe in the chiwog. In winter, all nearby sources dry and we have to use a pump to supply water from here. At times, the machine’s motor gets damaged. People can be seen fetching water in vehicles and those who do not own one, they have to carry on their backs,” said Khandu, from the gewog.
“With acute shortage of water in the community, I have started using water pumps. I draw it from a source in Moyongma. In between the source and my house, I have installed two water pumps,” Lungpo added.
Currently, Norboogang – Rinchenzor chiwog has over 65 households.
Thinley Dorji
