The drinking water supply in Peltari chiwog in Punakha is becoming scarce as time goes by. People attribute the problem to an increasing population and lack of maintenance. Today, repairing water pipes has become an everyday task for the villagers.
Peltari in Kabisa Gewog was connected with water more than two decades ago. And since then, the chiwog could not carry out any major maintenance. The pipes are old and leaking.
The village receives water only when the residents carry out some maintenance. If they fail to do so, the taps remain dry.
The increasing population is worsening the situation. Today, more than 45 families are residing in the chiwog.
“We have enough water from the source but we are facing a water shortage due to the damaged pipes. We could not carry out major maintenance,” said Sigay, a resident.
“The size of the existing water pipes is small and the source is also far away. Today, most of the pipes are damaged. Most of the time, the water pipes are damaged by landslides and falling trees,” said Wangdi, another resident.
However, the problem is expected to be solved soon. The gewog plans to install a new reservoir tank and replace the pipes.
“We are planning to replace the old materials and install a new reservoir tank above the village. We will propose it in the next financial year,” said Phub Gyeltshen, Kabisa Mangmi.
Until the new pipes are fitted, the residents will have to continue to grapple with the water shortage.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Tshering Zam
