During the ‘Question Hour’ of the National Assembly today, the health minister, Zangley Dukpa was questioned on the shortage of drinking water in rural pockets by the Members of Parliament.
The Nganglam MP, Choida Jamtsho, said the water sources have been drying up and the geographical terrain is making it difficult to supply water from other sources. “What new measures are the government coming up with to solve the water problem?” he questioned Lyonpo Zangley Dukpa.
The Health Minister said the ministry has done a study on the water shortage in 2008. The survey found out that most of the villages have access to rural water supply. However, around 20 to 30 percent do not water in their water taps. Lyonpo said after the report, the ministry have been working with the Dzongkhags and the Local Government. He added the works of providing drinking water is being handed over to Local Government. “The ministry provides only technical and financial support to the local government,” he said.
One reason for shortage of drinking water is that the Rural Water Supply Scheme was designed to supply water only for the villagers. “But now with establishment of schools, hospitals and gewog centres, the current source is not enough. We are looking for alternative source to provide water along with the Dzongkhags.”
Lyonpo also informed that they have done a detailed survey on the water shortage problem around the country. He said they are looking at measures like rainwater harvesting and pumping water to villages.
