After years of grappling with erratic and insufficient water supply, the villagers of Narphung village in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Gomdar Gewog can finally look forward to a reliable water supply. A newly completed water supply system promises to end decades of hardship for the villagers.
A pipe supported by bamboo carries rainwater from the roof, channelling it into the storage drums. For years, this was how families in Narphung village collected and stored water.
With no reliable water supply, rainwater was their only hope. But now, a new water supply system brings hope.
Water is drawn from the source through a two-kilometre pipeline and stored in a reservoir that holds up to 8,000 litres.
“We need water for everything from farming to washing. Without water, we can’t do anything. Now with the new water supply system, we are hoping to get enough water for all our needs,” said Leki Tshewang, a resident, Narphung.
“Before, water was supplied in the morning from 7 to 8 AM; at that time, we had to store water. But this year, we got a new water supply system, and we are grateful for it,” said Sherab Tenzin, another resident.
“We faced many problems without water. Sometimes we had to fetch it from the stream. But now, I think we will get reliable water as the lower part of the village is connected to a new water supply. And we no longer have to share water like before,” said Melam Zangmo, also a resident.
In addition to Narphung village, the Gomdar Gewog administration is constructing water supply systems for five more villages. The project, with a budget of about Nu 5 M, aims to ease water shortages across the gewog.
Today, the sound of running water through the tap indicates convenience and a better quality of life for the villagers of Narphung.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sonam Pem
