The erratic water supply in Trongsa town has the residents worried that it could lead to an outbreak of water borne diseases and also make them vulnerable to COVID-19 transmission.
In this wake, the residents said that it is difficult for everyone, including business owners and hoteliers, to maintain health and hygiene.
Deki, a bar and grocery shop owner, said that water supply is disrupted for three to four days in a month.
Dil Bdr Mongar, a lodge owner, said that they don’t receive water mostly during weekends.
Lemo, a bakery owner, said that with frequent water supply disruption, operating a bakery has become a challenge. “It is difficult to store water for our customers to wash their hands.”
Sangay Dorji, a hotelier, said that water is necessary to prevent COVID-19 transmission. “But with the current water problems, I don’t think we can stop the transmission.”
A shopkeeper, Pema, said that shopkeepers and residents are ready to provide any assistance required to the municipality office to solve the water problem.
The municipality office said that the issue is expected to be solved once the ongoing work to replace water pipes with pipes double the size of the existing one is completed.
This has been delayed as gate valves, equipment used to close and open the water through the pipes, are stranded in Siliguri, India due to the lockdown.
Passang
