The persistent issue of sewage spillage or manhole overflow in core town areas in Thimphu is expected to end soon. The Thimphu Thromde has allocated budget in this financial year to finally address the sewage spillage by installing new sewer lines. The works are expected to start soon.
Every monsoon, the manholes overflow along the Norzin Lam, the Kaja Throm area, near CSI market and the city bus parking. This has been causing inconvenience to drivers, pedestrians and business owners.
Tenzin Dorji, Shopkeeper at Kaja Throm said “In the past, I have seen manholes overflow even when there is no rain. These days, it is not that often but when it rains, I have seen it two to three times. In this area, blockage happens and it is problematic.”
Yadap Prd Sharma, Restaurateur said “My restaurant does not have spacious space inside to accommodate my customers. So, I have to use the space outside. When it is sunny and windy, it smells. This problem has been there for a long time. If someone could take the responsibility of cleaning this, it would be helpful.”
Pema Lotey, a resident said “I usually take this route while walking. When there is sewage overflow in the middle of the town, it is inconvenient for pedestrians.”
According to Thimphu Thromde, these areas have old sewer lines which are difficult to repair. They added that releasing rainwater from the gutters of buildings into the sewer system and flushing sanitary pads, cloth pieces, kitchen waste, and debris, clog the main sewer pipe, leading to manhole overflow, particularly during the monsoon.
Therefore, the thromde office has allocated Nu 4 M which will focus on installing new sewer lines in those locations. The thromde office said the work will start soon.
With this plan, it is expected to resolve the recurring issue, however, they said that if people continue to dump waste into the sewer lines, there is a possibility of the issue re-emerging.
The office has also allocated Nu 15 M to connect sewer lines of newly constructed buildings, and existing buildings that wish to join the main sewer system.
In the last financial year, the thromde office connected sewer lines of private buildings and institutions with the main sewer system, spending more than Nu 15 M.
According to Thimphu Thromde, this investment benefitted 125 households across various locations, two institutions, the National Traditional Medicine Hospital and Yangchenphu Higher Secondary School, and the minister’s enclave.
Pema Tshomo and Sangay Chozom
Edited by Tshering Zam
