The residents of Thedtsho Gewog’s Martanglungchu Chiwog in Wangdue Phodrang will no longer have to struggle with drinking water shortage. Previously, due to limited water supply, they had to share water from a common water tap, disrupting their daily lives for years. However, this problem has been resolved with the recent inauguration of an additional water supply scheme in the chiwog.
People no longer wait for their turn to fetch water from the common water tap. Each household now has its own water tap, thanks to the new water supply scheme.
The additional water comes from a source in Lingmukha Gewog in Punakha as the previous supply was inadequate.
Earlier, the limited water supply often led to community disharmony due to misunderstandings among residents.
“Earlier, three to four people had to share one water tap. This often led to conflicts as people would disconnect the tap and take it to their homes while others were fetching water. With the additional water supply, we hope this will provide enough water. However, we can’t assure its sufficiency in the future,” said Namgay Thinley, Martanglungchu Tshogpa.
“Before, it was difficult for us to get water in the evening because we were busy with work during the day. And often, the water would run out before we could fetch it in the evening after returning from work. This caused problems for us,” said Dorji, a resident of Martanglungchu Chiwog.
The previous water source in the chiwog started to dry up, causing drinking water shortages over the past few years.
To address this, the chiwog stored water in a reservoir tank and released it to the people for a few hours each day.
“Depending on a specific schedule for water was difficult for us to manage our needs, which affected our health and hygiene. With this new water supply, we can now wash our clothes and ourselves regularly. We are deeply thankful for this invaluable support,” said Kencho Dema, a resident of Martanglungchu Chiwog.
“Before, it was challenging to maintain a kitchen garden due to lack of water. We have eagerly awaited the water supply’s arrival. Now that we have it, we are not only happy about having enough drinking water but also excited to start our kitchen gardens and focus on maintaining cleanliness,” said Kinley Wangmo, another resident of Martanglungchu Chiwog.
The water supply will benefit around 25 households, a community Lhakhang and an extended classroom in the chiwog.
The additional water supply scheme was inaugurated on Thursday. The seven-and-a-half-kilometre-long water supply project was completed under the Rural Water Supply Scheme, part of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature’s initiative to manage biodiversity landscapes in the country.
The Nu 2 M worth project received support from the International Climate Initiative and the German Government’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sonam Pem
