For years, residents of Tsirang Toed Gewog in Tsirang have struggled with a drinking water shortage. The growing number of settlements and the gewog’s remote location of the gewogs have aggravated the issue. However, with the new drinking water project now nearly halfway complete, hope is rising for a more reliable water supply.
The new drinking water source is being drawn downstream of Dhap Tsho, some 28 kilometres from the Gewog.
Once complete, it will provide clean drinking water not only to Tsirang Toed Gewog but also to neighbouring Pungtenchhu Gewog, addressing the needs of some 8500 people.
According to the project officials, 46 per cent of the work is already complete.
The residents are eagerly awaiting a consistent water supply.
“Pipeline has already been laid near my house. The labourers assured us the project would be completed within the two-year deadline. We are hopeful that, once finished, we will have a sufficient drinking water supply. We are deeply grateful to His Majesty The King for supporting us with the project,” said Thinley Wangchuk, a resident.
“Currently, we receive drinking water only once a day. The existing water source is drying up, and we fear the shortage will worsen in the future. The new project will ensure a sufficient water supply for both drinking and maintaining hygiene,” said Agay Dorji, a resident.
The drinking water project began in February last year and is expected to be completed by February next year. The Adaptation Fund, through the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, is funding the drinking water project, which costs around Nu 120 M. Beyond benefiting the locals, the new water supply will also cater to public institutions like schools and healthcare centres, ensuring improved public service delivery.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
