The residents of Gepjakha at Babesa in Thimphu have been struggling with sewage spillage all season. Be it winter or summer, awful stench from sewage pervades the surroundings causing discomfort to both residents and passersby. The residents are now asking Thimphu Thromde to take permanent measures to address the issue, rather than just cleaning the sewage spillage upon complaining.
The issue of sewage spillage persisted in Gepjakha, an area near Babesa Primary School for more than three years. As a measure to prevent the issue, Thimphu Thromde constructed a septic tank in the area a year ago. However, against the increasing number of people, the septic tank served no purpose.
Although the thromde cleaned the spillage some three months ago, the sewage started overflowing from the septic tank a few days later. Today, the sewage is spilling on the surrounding area and footpath.
According to the residents, a few students and older people even slipped and fell as the footpath was slippery.
The foul smell from sewage has also become a trouble as it infiltrates nearby homes. People fear that it could be hazardous to their health.
“As per regulation, all the households were required to connect their septic tanks directly to a sewage system. We connected as per the requirement but some residents did not do it properly. Now it’s causing problems for the entire community. We request the thromde to monitor and enforce the regulation to ensure everyone is following it correctly. The issue is minor and it can easily be resolved,” said Tshering Choden, a resident of Gepjakha.
“There used to be cleaning scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays which is not happening anymore now. The authorities dispatch cleaners as per their convenience irrespective of whether it is day or night. As soon as we come out of the house, we are unable to resist the awful stench,” said Tshering Dema, another resident of Gepjakha.
Phuntsho Wangdi, also a resident of Gepjakha said, “When the tank overflows it causes sewage to spread throughout, creating a foul smell. The overflow causes the pathway to become wet, making it dangerous to the school-going children, elderly people and residents who use this route regularly. Residents stay inside keeping their windows closed. Everyone is concerned about their health. There are many small children. Besides it impacts the environment.”
Although the issue is visible only in Gepjakha area as of now, such sewage leakages occur in various parts of the Thromde area every summer.
Thimphu Thromde says improper disposal of waste like clothes, sanitary pads and medical waste, connecting kitchen waste to sewer lines and the increasing number of houses are causing blockage in sewer lines. This in turn leads to leakage and spillage.
Thromde say the office is replacing small pipes with bigger pipes in places with frequent sewer blockages. However, in a town area with significant cable and other lines, it is not feasible to do anything other than cleaning the area when leakage occurs.
Interns (Pema Seldon & Pema Wangmo)
Edited by Sangay Chezom
