The decade-old water accessibility problem has finally come to an end for the people of Udzorong Gewog in Trashigang. The DeSuung Water Project which began in June last year was inaugurated yesterday.
People in four chiwogs under Udzorong Gewog have been grappling with unreliable drinking water supply for over a decade. Besides water pipe and tank leakages, drying water sources affected the water supply.
To ease the problem, more than 100 DeSuups were deployed in June last year.
Sourcing the water from about 27 kilometres away from the gewog, the DeSuups constructed around 13 water tanks. With the project’s completion, the people can now fetch water from their doorstep.
“Our new water supply will benefit us immensely. This time, they have used thicker pipelines. In the past, the contractor used thin pipes which used to get damaged easily. I had to do maintenance daily to supply water to the people. We are thankful for the DeSuup Water Project,” said Tseten Wangda, a resident of Udzorong Gewog.
“It used to be a hassle carrying water every day. Life was difficult without water. But now we are relieved with the new water supply. I am thinking of venturing into vegetable cultivation as we have reliable water unlike in the past,” said Sonam Cheki, another resident.
“We are extremely happy to get the new water supply. His Majesty has supported us by providing DeSuups to work for the new water supply. We shall forever remain grateful for this support,” said Tenzin Dorji, a resident.
The project was supposed to complete by the beginning of this year. However, it got delayed as the pipelines had to be laid on rugged terrain. Due to this, the project cost escalated to Nu 28.458 M. The initial cost of the project was nearly Nu 10 M.
The project is expected to benefit around 442 households of four chiwogs under the gewog.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam Pem
