The long-standing water shortage in some villages of Jurme Gewog in Monggar has finally come to an end with the completion of the four-stage water pump. The project was completed in September, last year, and has since been handed over to the communities in the gewog. Currently, 30 households across four villages and two Lhakhang are benefitting and managing the project’s maintenance.
The Monggar District Tender Committee handed over the four-stage water pump to the people of four villages on the 16th of September, last year.
The project worth almost Nu 15 million was executed on contract under the Water Flagship Programme.
The project included laying 1,400 metres of galvanised iron pipeline from Maenchuree to Maenchhaphu. The project has installed eight pump sets with control panels and backups at different locations.
‘‘In each pump house, we have constructed an RCC reservoir. At the top, we have constructed a service tank with a capacity of 75,000 litres of water. From there, we have distributed it to the 30 households. Even we have started distribution from the project site,’’ said Lobzang Tshering, the project engineer of the 4-Stage Water Pump Project.
Water-related issues are a major challenge for the people and the water project in Maenchhapphu village serves as a pilot project to address the issue.
‘‘The gewog administration has given a high priority to this project, considering it as the first of its kind in the gewog and it is one of the pilot projects in the gewog. We are unfamiliar with its workings and effectiveness and are worried about how well it will work. Since the water source is close to Maenchhaphu village, we have initiated the pilot project there,’’ said Rinchen Norbu, Jurme Gup.
The beneficiaries shared that they no longer have to rely on murky and unreliable drinking water. Before, they relied on rainwater during the monsoon, and distant water sources, which is about an hour away.
‘‘In the past, we struggled with severe water shortages and had to carry heavy bags and containers to fetch water. The government then provided tanks and plastic containers for collecting rainwater, which greatly helped us. Now, with the water pump installed, our lives have improved significantly. Water scarcity has been a problem here since my childhood,” said Chonga, a resident of Maenchhaphu.
‘‘In the past, our parents had to fetch water as early as 3 AM. When performing religious rituals at the Goenpa, water collection is necessary. Later, containers were provided due to water scarcity, which also helped. Now, with the water project, we continue to benefit,’’ said Sangay Choda, another resident.
‘‘Thanks to the water flagship programme and the government support, we now have water pumps saving us from the hassle of collecting water. The project has also resolved water issues in Maenchhaphu village. In the past, water scarcity hindered vegetable farming but now we can focus on growing vegetables without worries,’’ said Sangay Tshering, also a resident.
The people in the village have developed guidelines for the water pump’s usage, ensuring sustainability. They said the electricity bill has been reduced, averaging around Nu 300 per month.
The project is designed to meet the needs for 30 years, considering the population growth.
Karma Wangdi, Monggar
Edited by Sonam Pem
