Water scarcity has been a long-standing problem in many parts of Pema Gatshel. However, with better access to electricity and modern technology, the situation is gradually improving. In Zobel Gewog’s Mongling village, the installation of a submersible pump station has brought much-needed relief to the community.
Unlike other systems where pumps are kept dry in a separate chamber, submersible pumps are fully underwater and work right inside the tank, allowing for efficient pumping.
For the people of Mongling, having access to clean drinking water at their doorsteps was once a distant dream.
Today, they only need to visit the source once a week to switch on the power and release the water. The new pump has made a big difference in their daily lives.
“Health officials recommend eating more vegetables and maintaining proper hygiene. With this pump, we can now bring water up to our village and even expand our vegetable gardens,” said Jigme Gyeltshen, Resident, Mongling, Zobel Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
“Earlier, we had to pump water to the top of the village and then distribute it. Thanks to government support, we can now enjoy better sanitation and the opportunity to grow more vegetables,” said Yeshi, a Resident, Mongling, Zobel Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
Residents recall how hard life was in the past without enough water.
“We had to carry water from below, and because everyone was rushing, the water was never enough. It took us nearly an hour to carry just one jerrycan of water,” said Yeshi, Resident, Mongling, Zobel Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
“There’s another village called Lekteri nearby, and they used to come here for water too. We had a pond, not a proper tank, and we even used it for our cattle. Most of the time, by the time we got there, the water was often gone,” said Jigme Gyeltshen, Resident, Mongling, Zobel Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
The pump worth Nu 450,000 currently benefits five households and nearby shops.
With clean drinking water now easily accessible, the people in Mongling are seeing better health, more time for daily work and even a boost in income.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam Pem
