Following the importance of water resources and its management highlighted in His Majesty’s recent address to the nation, the government is working towards incorporating an independent water agency soon. During the last Meet the Press session, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said that the current Water Flagship Programme will soon transition to a formal independent water agency.
Currently, the government is studying all the stakeholders involved in water management. The groundwork on the framework for creating a water agency is already complete.
“The groundwork on water agency creation framework has also been done. The framework will focus on how and who should run the agency, who are currently working in water-related sectors and who is providing the manpower in water sectors. So all of these will be taken into consideration. We managed to identify all the agencies and individuals in the country who deal with water problems,” Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said.
Having an agency to manage water distribution, map all water resources for proper management of water and protecting watersheds and sources to sustain water supply is one of the main pledges of the government. And the government allocated Nu 5bn for the Water Flagship Programme in the 12th Five Year Plan. It was initially planned for implementation in two phases. However, now, the works will be carried out in a single phase.
“Initially, Nu 5bn was allocated for the water flagship programme. But it has and it should be changed drastically after His Majesty’s speech. We have had several discussions and meetings on it. I have said that the water flagship programme must slowly transition into an independent agency,” Lyonchhen said.
The government will also bring on board the Royal University of Bhutan as an important research and technology service provider.
“We will decide on the name and authority of the agency. We have talked to the NEC as well. Overall clear and well-researched water governance and policies should be in place. A robust water technology must be there. That is why these should come from an academic institution. RUB will focus on this. If our dreams come true, it should lead to having a formal degree in water technology,” Lyonchhen added.
As per the Population and Housing Census of Bhutan 2017, only about 81 per cent of housing units have a reliable water supply during critical hours. About 1.6 per cent of households still need to travel for at least 30 minutes to the nearest water sources.
Tshering Dendup
