For decades, the residents of Bajo Throm and those residing in the town’s periphery have been struggling to get safe and clean drinking water. They claim that the current water source drawn from a stream at Za Chhi Zampa on the way to Samtengang in Nyisho Gewog is not safe for consumption, especially during the summer. Residents even claimed that they have been facing health issues due to poor drinking water quality.
As the source is located on the base of Kazhi, Phangyul and Nyisho Gewogs, wastewater from villages in the gewogs is drawn into the source making it filthy. The water quality gets worse during the rainy season.
Although it is treated at a treatment plant below the source to some extent, the residents say the water is not clean and enough for consumption.
Among the households and institutions struggling with the issue is Wangdue Phodrang Rabdey. The Rabdey uses the water for offerings in the Lhakhang and drinking purposes.
“I can see the monks falling ill. Some have stomachache and diarrhoea and some with water related skin diseases. It is more prominent during the summer,” said Nima, Secretary of Wangdue Rabdey.
The town’s residents claim that in the summer the water can be used only for washing clothes. For drinking purposes, they have to manage from nearby clean sources or even resort to buying.
“The people here have been raising the issue for a long time now. As the water gets dirty during the summer, there are risks of falling ill due to water-borne diseases,” said Kinley Dorji, Thromde Ngotshab of Bajo Throm.
“For the cooking purpose, we have no choice but to use this water. Otherwise, for offerings and drinking purposes, we fetch water from a clean source even if it means waiting in a long queue. And sometimes, we fetch from other places while travelling,” said Nala, a resident.
“This water is not at all safe to drink directly. We have to store it in a container and let the dust settle before we consume it. It is a little better during the winter. But during the summer, we get skin disease due to the bad water quality,” said Thinley Wangmo, a resident.
However, their days of struggle for clean water will be over by next winter if everything goes as planned. The district administration has identified a new water source at Wakhashong in Bjena Gewog.
“The works and human settlement ministry has almost completed works to tender the project to a private contractor. Even the budget which is estimated to be about Nu 184 M is also ready,” said Passang Dorji, Planning officer.
The new source located about 25 kilometres from Bajo town is deemed not only clean but adequate as well. The works to supply water from the new source are expected to begin in the next financial year.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Phub Gyem
