Access to water is essential for daily life, but not everyone has it 24/7. In Khainorong Village of Samdrup Jongkhar’s Gomdar Gewog, residents have been struggling with severe drinking water shortages. Their only water supply system, built 20 years ago, has never been upgraded, leaving the community desperate for a solution.
The water supply has become inadequate with no major upgrades in over two decades. The infrastructure is outdated, struggling to meet the growing demand for water.
Some eight households in the village are forced to rely on limited and sometimes unreliable water sources.
“Water is not sufficient, it is small. If my neighbours use the water I won’t be receiving water here. Without water, it is difficult to cook food and to wash clothes,” said Ausen, a resident.
“We don’t have water taps, if taps and tanks are constructed, water will be enough as we have a good water source,” said Dokola, another resident.
“When houses located in the upper area use water, I don’t get water here and we have to share water. It is not enough to wash clothes,” said Lhamo, also a resident.
Gomdar Gup said that budget constraints prevented the gewog administration from maintaining the water supply in the village.
However, with a new allocation of Nu 5 M for rural water supply systems, maintenance for Khainorong and other villages will be included in the project.
The administration is currently conducting a survey. If everything goes as planned, Khainorong’s water supply system is expected to be restored by June next year.
Until then, the residents of Khainorong village will have to continue enduring challenges.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sonam Pem
