Residents of Samrang Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar can look forward to reliable drinking water soon. The gewog has been grappling with water shortage for years. The construction works to supply water is nearing completion and the villagers are expected to get water within a few weeks.
Currently, 64 households in Samrang Gewog rely on the Botai stream. But it is not sufficient for a population of around 300 people.
Villagers say water is not even enough for drinking purposes.
But villagers can expect reliable drinking water in a few weeks.
The work to supply water from a new water source at Yoega Brang Sa chhu is almost completed.
The laying of water pipes and the construction of a water tank at the source have been completed.
Currently, the villagers are carrying out the pipe fitting work.
“We have to store water in buckets. It is enough for drinking purposes. We are not able to cultivate vegetables and grow areca nut trees due to water shortage. Water supply from Tshophangma will solve our problem. The water source is big and there will be sufficient water,” said Heera Lal Mongar, a resident.
“We have been drinking water from Botai stream. But it is small and the source is drying up. So, we started looking for a new water source and decided to supply water from here,” said Pratiman Rai, another resident.
“The Gewog Administration planned the construction of the water supply from here and villagers are carrying out work. After finishing this water supply work, I do not think there will be water problems like today,” said Dawa Tamang, who is also a resident.
The Samrang Gewog Administration is providing the budget and technical support while the villagers are contributing labour.
The Samrang Gewog Administration is spending about Nu 30 M for the water supply project which began in October this year. It is funded by the Government of India under the Small Development Project.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
