Some residents in Tashiyangjong and Nyizergang chiwogs of Kilkhorthang Gewog in Tsirang are worried about their drinking water supply. This is following leakage of water from the reservoir which was repaired not so long ago. The residents say the absence of a full-time technician and the gewog administration failing to monitor the repairing works has caused damage to the tank. Some 20 families in the two chiwogs depend on this water supply.
The 4000-litre reservoir built in 2000 was repaired in 2020. The residents of the two chiwogs contributed labour and the gewog administration provided the materials. But the tank became dysfunctional a year after with the development of a major crack and leakage. The problem has been reported to the gewog administration but nothing has been done so far.
“The water supervisor reported the problem to the gewog administration. Following that, I have also lodged a formal complaint with the gewog administration seeking updates on plans to repair the tank. But the gewog officials simply said the gewog doesn’t have adequate budget to carry out maintenance,” said Tshewang Norbu, a resident of Tashiyangjong chiwog in Kilkhorthang Gewog.
Meanwhile, BBS found out the drinking water supply is adequate for now in the two chiwogs. But the residents fear it may lead to an acute water shortage if the reservoir is not repaired at the earliest. Today, in absence of a tank, the water supply is directly connected to distribution lines without proper sedimentation.
“The water volume has increased these days due to rainfall. Otherwise, we have been facing a drinking water shortage. The problem will be severe if the gewog administration doesn’t repair the tank on time,” said Tshewang Norbu.
However, the issue will likely be addressed soon. The gewog administration has allocated a budget to repair the tank in the next financial year. The Gup said a new water tank will be constructed in a lower area as water sinks in the present location.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
