The Dagana District Administration issued land ownership certificates to 332 plot owners in Dagapela in 2022. Following this, some plot owners began private constructions in the town. However, there is now a growing concern among the plot owners about potential water supply shortages if more construction happens in the coming months.
So far, the district engineering sector has approved construction for 33 plot owners across three zones in the town. Out of these, two buildings are completed and ten are under construction.
However, due to inadequate water supply, some plot owners have resorted to using the town’s drinking water, seasonal rainwater or pumps for their construction needs.
With a few more gearing up for construction, plot owners are urging the district administration to expedite the distribution of water from the town’s new water supply.
“We were told that the new supply scheme was ready last year. However, we still have not received any water from the new water supply project. As we started constructing buildings, we had to use drinking water and rainwater for construction. If the rain stops, the seasonal water will dry up, which means our construction projects might come to a halt,” said Tandin Tshering, a plot owner.
“More private constructions are starting in the town. But we are having water shortage as the current water supply is inadequate. We hoped the new water supply from Laymichhu would address this issue but it has not yet. We would be grateful if the relevant authorities could distribute water from the new water supply scheme at the earliest,” said Tul Bdr. Bal, another plot owner.
Tsendagang Gup, Bal Bdr. Rana who is also the Dagana Dzongkhag Tshogdu chairperson said having an adequate and timely water supply in the town would speed up town planning works.
“All plot owners in the town are ready to start construction works. But without water supply distribution from the new scheme, the present water supply is inadequate. Once the town receives enough water, all businesses in the town can begin their construction works.”
The district engineer told BBS that the water supply from the source was tested and channelled to the water treatment plant above Dagapela town a few months ago.
However, the water supply was cut off since the water treatment plant was incomplete.
He added that the contractor handed over the treatment plant to the district administration last month and the water from the new supply scheme reached the treatment plant on Saturday. It will now be connected to the temporary distribution lines.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Sonam Pem
