In Samdrup Jongkhar, access to clean, reliable water has improved daily life for 30 families in Gakiling village, Dewathang Gewog. The families had relocated to the new location a few years ago. They say this is an important step towards better living conditions.
The families were relocated after settlement conditions in Martang were found to be unstable in 2024. Since then, access to reliable water has been a challenge.
The situation has now improved following the recent completion of a drinking water supply system in the village.
The Gewog Administration constructed a 30,000-litre water tank and a 3-kilometre pipeline from the source to the tank last year. Additionally, the construction of a 4,800-metre distribution line and water taps to each household was recently completed.
“We do not face any major water problems now. Water is enough even for cultivating vegetables and feeding our animals. However, we do face some shortage temporarily when there is a disruption at the source,” said Chogey Rinchen, a resident of Gakiling, Dewathang, Samdrup Jongkhar.
Earlier, we had to fetch water from far away, but now the water point is right near our doorstep, and it is sufficient for our needs,” said Yezor Dema, another resident of Gakiling, Dewathang, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“We used to struggle with water shortages, but now we are happy to have a reliable water supply,” said Sangay Choden, also a resident of Gakiling, Dewathang, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Currently, the water supply is sufficient. With this, we can now cultivate vegetables and also provide water for our animals,” said Yeshi Lhamo, a resident of Gakiling, Dewathang, Samdrup Jongkhar.
The Dewathang Gewog administration spent about Nu 3 M to provide a water supply to Gakiling Village.
The project is expected to support the community’s long-term needs and improve basic living conditions for the resettled families.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
