Residents of Kipse, Bangtsho, and Samdrup Gatshel Demkhong in Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde look forward to a more reliable water supply. The thromde’s works to supply water from a new source is nearing completion. The construction scheduled for completion in October last year is now expected to complete by June this year.
Although the new water supply project has been completed and water is already being supplied to some areas, a few works were left out of the initial contract.
The thromde has awarded the additional works which include dust protection for the sand trap, protecting carrier pipes, installing extra valves, and bulk meters to the same contractor.
The old Lemsorong water source which dries up during the lean season is also used by the army and residents of Dewathang Gewog resulting in water shortages for the thromde residents.
The new Morong Chhu source is connected to a 275,000-litre reservoir constructed around 27 kilometres away from the source.
Water is distributed to the residents from the reservoir.
Karma Tenzin, a resident said “We get enough water from Morong Chhu, but it is not reliable. The water supply gets disrupted at least once or twice a week. However, we remain hopeful that the issue will be addressed in the future.”
Ugyen Penjor, another resident said “Water from the Lemsorong source has to be supplied for three communities resulting in shortages. Now, water from the Morong Chhu is solely for the thromde residents.”
Likewise, Cheki said “During winter, water at Lemsorong source dries up. Morong chhu is large and is connected to big pipes. We don’t face major issues now facing shortages only when road construction works damage pipes.”
Samdrup Jongkhar Thrompon said that since the water distribution pipelines are new, there have been reports of trapped air and pipe leakages which are being fixed.
He also added that the water supply project from Morong Chhu is still under construction, and once fully complete, the thromde will ensure a reliable water supply.
The new water supply will benefit about 4000 residents of Kipse, Bangtsho, and Samdrup Gatshel demkhongs.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Phub Gyem
