People of Ngangmalang and Zobel chiwogs in Pema Gatshel were anticipating having an uninterrupted water supply with the new water reservoir tank. But without a pipeline to distribute water from the reservoir tank to the households, the water supply is at a halt. People say the existing water supply is not sufficient which has been a longstanding issue.
Dorji Gyeltshen from Ngorkhi village makes it a point to carry his jerry cans whenever he travels. He doesn’t let go of the opportunity to fill up the jerry cans whenever he comes across a water source.
The new reservoir tank was constructed in mid of last year. However, with the shortage of about a 300-meter water pipeline, people’s excitement remains buried.
“We have tracked the water source and have constructed a reservoir tank. But what we need is water pipelines to connect it to the villages. But in the absence of the pipes, we have been carrying jerry cans and drums to fetch water,” said Dorji Gyeltshen.
“We don’t have sufficient pipes and we are facing an acute water shortage. It would greatly benefit all of us if we have a good water supply,” said Pema Lhaden.
“The frequent lockdown due to the pandemic has hindered the work progress. And due to that, I think the gewog administration may not have been able to get the pipes on time,” said Mizang Dendup.
Moreover, the longstanding water shortage issue intensified by the water supply halt has left the farmers discouraged to venture into mass vegetable cultivation.
“We need water for vegetable cultivation. And when there is no water, it’s difficult for us to take care of the plantations. But if we get the water supply soon then all our problems will be solved,” said Mizang Dendup.
“We have to wait for the rain for our vegetables to get water. And it’s difficult to carry water with only a few of us here in the village. Due to this, we have left most of our fields barren,” said Pema LhadenWater .
“Water is the most important thing there is: it’s essential for life and everything else. And it is a critical input for agricultural production. When the water supply isn’t enough, we cannot maintain our cleanliness and sanitation even if we plan to raise livestock,” said Dorji Gyeltshen.
Meanwhile, as per the Gewog administration, the frequent lockdowns due to the pandemic has made it difficult to get the materials from Phuentshogling on time.
“Although a few of the pipes are ready, we are yet to fit the pipe for the remaining households. That’s why we have been able to supply water for now,” said Jigme Gyeltshen, Zobel Tshogpa.
“As the government has relaxed most of the COVID-19 protocols, we are in talks with the supplier in Phuentshogling. It’s not that they aren’t going to supply but it’s been difficult amid the pandemic. But they have agreed to supply the pipe at the earliest,” said Pema Dorji, Zobel Gup.
The Gup added that the office is hoping to receive the pipelines within a week or two.
The water pump was constructed at a cost of Nu 1.5 M with support from the UNDP. In addition, the people from two chiwogs also contributed more than Nu 7,000 from each household for the water reservoir construction.
Once the pipeline construction is complete, it will benefit more than 50 households in the two chiwogs.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam Pem
