The long-standing water shortage in Samdrup Jongkhar town is finally expected to be solved. Residents can now look forward to clean and reliable drinking water as the construction of a new water distribution network was completed recently. Until now, they have been relying on the old distribution network which had leakages.
To address the water shortage in the town, efforts were made by the Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde before the new water distribution network was constructed.
The thromde office supplied water by constructing a water treatment plant but many areas in the thromde faced water shortage.
Most of the old pipelines are more than four decades old, making them inefficient and prone to frequent disruptions.
New pipelines covering more than 18 kilometres were laid with the construction of a reservoir with a capacity of over 400,000 litres.
The Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde administration hopes that the new network will finally resolve the water shortage.
The new water distribution network is connected to the existing water treatment plant at Pinchhina.
Water has already been released through the new distribution network. Samdrup Jongkhar Thrompon said that for now, there are chances of water leakages and pipe blast but it will be immediately rectified with the help of the contractor.
Thinley Namgay, Samdrup Jongkhar Thrompon said “The new pipelines extend up to the water metre chamber. Beyond that point, building owners are responsible for connecting water pipes to their respective buildings. However, some owners have not completed the connections. Therefore, the thromde administration has urged them to do so as soon as possible.”
Samdrup Jongkhar Thrompon says the thromde administration is exploring additional water sources since the current water source at Pinchhina dries up during the dry season.
“The newly identified water source falls under the gewog administration’s jurisdiction, located above Martang, about a three-hour walk away. All feasibility studies and surveys have been completed. However, due to budget constraints, construction work could not proceed. A proposal for 50 million ngultrum under the Small Development Project’s first phase has been submitted, and we hope to begin construction soon.”
Residents are equally hoping for a reliable water supply with this new distribution system.
Tashi Tsheten, a resident said “Currently, the water from the new distribution system is reliable. If the supply continues at this level, it will resolve the water problem.”
Dechen Choden, another resident said “We expect a reliable water supply from the new distribution network. With ten tenants, the water supply was previously insufficient. I am hopeful that the new network will resolve this issue.”
Wangmo, who is also a resident said “We currently have enough drinking water, but it is insufficient for washing and other needs. I hope the new facility will provide enough water.”
The water distribution system is constructed at a cost of Nu 69 M, with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank.
It will benefit more than 10,000 people residing in Samdrup Jongkhar town.
Kinley Wangchuk
Edited by Tshering Zam
