People of Kanglung Gewog in Trashigang were excited about the new water treatment plant. But without a pipeline to distribute treated water from the main reservoir tank to the respective water tanks, the water supply is at a halt. People say the existing water supply is not sufficient.
The new water treatment plant was constructed at a cost of Nu 131 M in 2017 and handed over to the district in February this year. However, BBS learnt that the costs to lay water pipeline was not included in the overall water supply construction package.
Thus, Trashigang district administration has requested the Gross National Happiness Commission for a budget of Nu 15 M to execute the additional pipeline works.
With no pipeline to distribute water, peoples’ excitement, for now, needs to remain buried until the district gets the budget.
“We have one source nearby a stream which is getting dried. The water is not clean. And with the cattle, it’s more difficult with the water shortage. People talk about maintain cleanliness but it’s difficult without sufficient water,” said Pema Dema, a resident in Kanglung Gewog.
“We were hoping that the new water supply will benefit us but we are yet to experience the benefit. At present we are managing water from the nearby source which we have using for a long time,” added Kinley Yangzom, another resident.
Once the pipeline construction is complete, it will benefit around 12,000 people in Kanglung.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
