In today’s fast-changing world, having practical skills is becoming just as important as knowledge. Even in monasteries, being able to fix everyday problems can make a huge difference. To meet this need, the Central Monastic Body trained monks in basic plumbing skills to manage water systems on their own.
More than 30 monks from Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang and Gasa, including two nuns, completed a three-day plumbing course in Punakha yesterday.
For many, it was their first time learning such skills. They were trained to repair water taps, fix leaking pipes, join pipe fittings and maintain toilets and handwashing facilities.
Officials say the shortage of plumbers has been a long-standing issue. Monasteries often rely on district or gewog offices for even minor repairs, which takes time and adds costs.
With the training, the participants said they feel more confident to handle repairs on their own now.
“So far, we have been depending on district plumbers. However, after gaining skills from this training, I am now confident I can manage repairs on my own with the help of a few friends; I no longer have to rely on the district administration and the gewog,” said Phub Dorji, Monk, Talo Sangachoeling Buddhist Institute, Punakha.
“Earlier, we used to waste water pipes even for minor problems due to a lack of repair skills. We had to replace pipes whenever there was an issue. However, we will no longer have to waste them. We were taught how to melt and join pipes using heat. This training will greatly benefit us in carrying out maintenance work and ensuring a proper water supply in our monastery,” said Nima Zangmo, Nun, Ugyen Gatshel Shedra, Dorangthang, Punakha.
Each of the participant will receive a toolkit to carry out repairs in their respective institutions. The training programme was supported by UNICEF Bhutan.
“The reason for giving this training is mainly to maintain water. So, in our country, most of the monastery institutions have been located in very remote places. So, therefore, they are facing the challenges of how to do the maintenance of the pipe leakage, or how to change the water tap. Before they have to invite the plumbers from the dzongkhag or from the Gewogs. From today onwards, they can maintain basic things in the respective monastic institutions,” said Kinley Penjor, Chief Programme Officer, Central Monastic Body.
The Central Monastic Body plans to expand similar training to religious centres in Monggar and Lhuntse.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Sonam Pem
