Residents of Babesa in Thimphu have been struggling with acute water shortages, especially during dry seasons. Until a few days ago, the residents receive a little water, and that too for a few hours a day. They said they receive their water from Chamgang Rongchhu and Ngabi Rongchhu water sources. However, their water woes are not as bad during monsoon.
According to some elderly people living in Babesa, the water shortage starts from February to June.
They said this has been going on for more than two decades and the situation is becoming worse with settlements in the area increasing.
“In our area, water shortage is the main problem. It improves during the rainy season, but during winter and spring, we face an acute shortage,” said Karma Choden, a house owner.
Residents said Thimphu Thromde is aware of the water shortage and they are now urging the office to come up with alternative solutions.
“Thromde officials said that the water level at the source itself is small and there is nothing else they can do. However, we did suggest that supplying water from a different location such as Tango Cheri would be more than sufficient for the whole of Thimphu,” said Gyeltshen, who is also the house owner.
In areas such as Chubogang, Tshalumaphey and Gepjakha, house owners said due to acute water shortage, they are losing their tenants.
Similarly, for hoteliers and restaurant owners, they are having a difficult time without water.
“Currently, even with the water shortage issues, the bill is around Nu 6,000. Since it is already documented in black and white, we cannot do anything. We have always cleared our bills and paid on time. However, the support on this matter is lacking and they have not been able to solve our problems,” added Karma Choden.
“There is a water shortage in Babesa and we are having a tough time operating our business. We are using paper plates. If we do not run our business, we cannot pay the rent. So, we do not have any other options,” said Suk Maya Tamang, a restaurant owner.
The Thimphu thrompon said that the Thromde had not received any complaints about the issue so far.
According to the thrompon, alternative solutions are using borewells and harvesting rainwater.
Recently, the Thimphu Thromde posted on social media about decreasing water levels at various sources due to reduced water flow.
Intern (Sonam Pelkid)
Edited by Tshering Zam
