Life has become easier for the people of Laishingri in Pema Gatshel after they received a water pump last year. It addressed the water shortage that the villagers faced during winter. However, their happiness was short-lived as the pump was washed away by a landslide recently. The villagers are now worried that they will face water shortage again as the dry season is approaching.
On the evening of 2nd September, a landslide triggered by rainfall washed away the water pump and a tank. Today, only pipes are visible at the site.
The government installed the water pump last year as the village faces water shortage from November up to May. It is located about a kilometre downhill from the village. The construction of the pump cost Nu 1.7 M.
The villagers are worried that they might have to walk for half an hour to fetch water from the source like in the past if the pump is not reconstructed at the earliest.
“I am worried. Now it will be difficult for us to fetch water from the source which is down the hill. We were happy to receive the water pump facility last year. We would be grateful if the government could support us to reconstruct it at the earliest,” said Dawa Seldon, a resident.
“By November, the nearby water source will dry. So, we have to fetch water like in the past. The water pump was washed away by a landslide. So, we are hoping that the government will support us to reconstruct a tank near the current location and supply the water from there,” said Sangay, another resident.
The gewog administration has already submitted a report to the Nganglam Dungkhag and the district disaster management authority for assessment. Dechhenling Gup said they will carry out a feasibility study before the reconstruction.
“We cannot start the reconstruction immediately. We are also looking for a better place for the facility,” said Jimba Phuntsho, Dechhenling Gup.
Nonetheless, he added, the gewog will try to restore it at the earliest. There are more than ten households in the village.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
