Since the establishment of its field office in 2014 in Tsirang, the Tarayana Foundation has been initiating various livelihood projects such as housing, drinking water projects, and distribution of high-value fruit saplings, among others. These initiatives have brought immense benefits to the lives of people, especially low-income families. This time, the foundation’s field office has initiated a drinking water project for the people of Barshong Toed Chiwog in the district.
Access to a reliable drinking water supply is not much of a problem for around 30 households in Barshong Toed Chiwog these days.
The Tarayana Foundation is constructing a 50,000-litre reservoir, which can supply sufficient water for over 200 people.
The Foundation is spending around Nu 1.2 M for the project expected to be completed by the mid of next month.
While the Foundation is supplying the construction materials, people are contributing labour.
“In the past, it was difficult to get adequate drinking water. We are now hoping for better since the ongoing drinking water project has a bigger tank. Works will be much easier if we get reliable drinking water,” said Pema Dorji Tamang, a resident.
“We are hopeful that a 50,000 litre tank will be adequate for us. The existing tank is very small. With the bigger tank, more water will be stored now,” said Passang Dolma Tamang, another resident.
“Getting construction materials free of cost is a huge help for us as we have financial problems. So, we decided to contribute labour ourselves. Once complete, we are expecting to use the excess water for livestock and vegetable farms,” said Chida Nanda Neopaney, also a resident.
“The gewog administration has supported the budget with a water tank for the chiwog. However, the Gewog administration couldn’t afford a bigger tank due to budget constraints. So, the Tarayana Foundation’s support to the chiwog will benefit immensely by addressing the drinking water problem in the chiwog,” said Man Dhoj Tamang, Barshong Toed Tshogpa.
Drinking water shortage has been a severe issue, especially during dry seasons. People attribute the shortage to the drying up of the water source and the lack of a bigger reservoir in the chiwog.
“When we visited the chiwog through the IKI project, we found out that shortage of drinking water is a serious problem in the chiwog. Moreover, the chiwog doesn’t have proper water sources. We also found out that the existing drinking water has not been managed properly. Thus, after consultation, we agreed to dismantle the small intake tank constructed at the water source with funding support from the government,” said Namgay, a senior field officer at the Tarayana Foundation.
The Foundation will also help develop small terraces above the existing drinking water to recharge it with rainwater. The International Climate Initiative, or IKI, based in Germany through the World Wildlife Fund, is funding the drinking water project.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sonam Pem
