One thing that has long been associated with Gelephu Thromde is the water crisis. Residents there have been grappling with the problem for decades. However, there now seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. The works and human settlement ministry in partnership with the De-Suung National Service kick-started the Gelephu water supply project yesterday.
As part of the project, the water treatment plant with a 12 million litres-per-day capacity will be constructed at Dechhen Pelri.
The plant will purify the water sourced from the Balukhola River, which is located nearly 12 kilometres away from its location in Dechhen Pelri.
Following the treatment, the water will be distributed to more than 19,500 residents in Gelephu Thromde. Unlike the past few water projects, this project is viewed as a landmark project that focuses on long-term water solutions.
Works and Human Settlement Minister, Dorji Tshering said, “The project will guarantee enough drinking water supply for the next 30 years when the population in Gelephu will hit more than 100,000.”
The thromde residents currently make do with unreliable water supply from Pasangchu and Maokhola water treatment plants and a bore well.
During the monsoon, the two plants remain disrupted and during winter, their intake capacity decreases due to the drying up of rivers.
“The water project will not only benefit residents of Gelephu thromde but the neighbouring Gelegphu and Samtenling Gewogs and provide access to safe and continuous drinking water,” told Gelephu Thrompon, Tshering Norbu.
With a budget of Nu 477 M, the Gelephu water supply project will be executed by over 300 DeSuups, armed force personnel and engineers of the Gelephu thromde office.
Since the project is scheduled for completion in a couple of months, it may not belong for the residents to enjoy a non-stop water supply.
As universally believed, water is essential to good health. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national public health agency of the US, advises that getting enough water every day is important for one’s health.
Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Pema Lhaden
