Yangyel Lhaden

Residents of South Thimphu have been without water since last Friday after a landslide, triggered by incessant rain, washed away portions of two pipes that bring water from the Chamgang water source.

These pipes supply water to Changbangdu, Lungtenphu, Olakha, and Babesa areas. 

At the burst site, a steep slope about 60 metres below the main road – 4km from Chamgang – some 20 Thromde employees worked tirelessly to fix the pipes under the threat of further landslides.

The site is a mess. Littered with garbage and broken glasses, and loose, and unstable soil which made their work even more challenging.

The team used sandbags to stabilise the pipes. But another landslide on Monday forced them to change their plan by constructing a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure to secure the pipes.

The team used 10 pipes, each measuring six metres, to transport the cement mixture from the road above to construct the RCC.

The team worked through continuous rain, using plastic coverings to protect the RCC while some workers patrolled the road above to prevent garbage or stones from being thrown, ensuring the safety of those below.

The RCC construction was completed on Tuesday.

A worker at the site said that they were in constant fear of a landslide because the soil was loose. “Whenever we dug a foundation, soil erosion would fill it. We were worried that continuous rain could bring down the boulders.”

With the restoration of the water pipes, water supply is expected to resume soon.

A resident in Olakha, Sonam, had been carrying water from his office daily. “It has been a struggle, but I appreciate the thromde office’s efforts to fix the pipe and release water soon.”

Another resident in Changbangdu said that the local leader had been very active, sending timely information in their WhatsApp group about the water tank arrival and updates on the restoration project at the pipe burst site with videos. “The timely information has been reassuring.”

During the period without water, the residents, unprepared for this sudden drought, found themselves lining up at the Thimphu Thromde tanks. These tanks, their last hope, released precious water even in the late hours, under the monsoon rain.

“I reached home only at 4am during the water crisis period as I was supplying water,” a water tank driver said.

This is not the first time residents of these areas have faced water shortage. Water pipes bursting in summer and water source drying up in winter cause frequent water shortages for the residents of South Thimphu.

South Thimphu residents are calling for more permanent solutions to prevent such situations in the future.