Residents of Khirithang Chiwog in Tsirang’s Dunglagang Gewog have been grappling with an erratic drinking water supply for a few years now. Residents say they don’t get a reliable drinking water supply despite having two designated water sources for the chiwog. While there is no proof as such, residents attribute the shortage to a few households using the drinking water supply for vegetable gardens.
Except for a few, most residents in the chiwog are seen relying on the scanty water supply from their taps for daily usage. Some households in the chiwog resort to using water from privately drawn water supplies, which are meant for vegetable gardens. Given the severity of the issue, most households own at least a few barrels to store water. However, this has not brought a significant change due to the persistent scarcity of water from taps.
Dhan Bdr. Tamang, a resident said, “We have severe drinking water problem since we don’t get water all the time. At times, we have to stay without water for days and weeks. In such times, we drink from a small water located near my house.”
“We have to store water in barrels from nearby streams whenever taps run out of water. We have been adjusting to the existing drinking water shortage for a few years now,” said Kala Maya Adhikari, a resident.
“The small water source that we depend on is also drying over the years. We cannot do any major work at home without water. We need water to wash clothes for our school-going children,” said Suk Maya Tamang, another resident.
The Dunglagang Mangmi said the drinking water scheme is big enough to cater to around 80 households in the chiwog. The mangmi urges beneficiaries to use the water judiciously to avoid the existing drinking water issue in the chiwog.
Dunglagang Mangmi, Dhan Bdr. Monger said, “The Gewog Administration has been repairing the drinking water supply scheme timely. If beneficiaries could equally take responsibility and manage the water supply properly, I think the residents won’t face any drinking water shortage like today.”
Until a solution arrives, the chiwog will likely continue facing drinking water shortages significantly impacting their daily routines.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Kipchu
