Residents of Gozhitoed village in Dagana have been struggling for years to get reliable drinking water. But the situation is expected to improve because works are nearing completion to connect a new drinking water supply to the village. The residents say that drying up of the old source and increased settlements in the community have caused the water shortage.
After the old water source started drying up, the Gozhi Gewog Administration initiated the construction of a new drinking water supply project in 2021.
However, the project worth Nu 1 M failed to benefit the residents after the water could not flow across a hilltop located between the water source and the village.
Much to their relief, the works to draw another drinking water supply to the community from Gesarling Gewog began in September last year.
The villagers are contributing labour and 95 per cent of the works have been completed so far.
It has already started benefiting some residents. However, most of the villagers are currently waiting for two motor water pumps from India to pump water to the reservoir which will then be distributed among the residents.
“We are facing acute drinking water shortage. We have to carry water in our cars for drinking, feeding cattle, and for toilet purposes. The new water supply will benefit us immensely,” said Passang Sherpa, a resident.
“Some of us are sharing drinking water from a small water source after the previous one dried up. But that source is also drying up now,” said Phurpa Lhamo Sherpa, another resident.
“If we do not use motor water pumps, it is impossible to distribute water for all households especially those located in the upper part of the village. Once the project is complete, we will get an uninterrupted drinking water supply unless the motor water pumps stop functioning. This is because the reservoir is located at the top,” said Karna Bdr. Subba, a project coordinator.
Meanwhile, Gozhi Gup said that the motor water pumps will arrive within this week.
The gup also said that both the reservoir and water pipes from the works done in 2021 have been used for the new drinking water supply project to avoid wastage of government resources.
The village has over 20 households.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
