About 54 households of Changiji in Thimphu have been facing water shortage for weeks now due to a broken water pump.

The borehole pump was damaged in the first week of September, disrupting the water supply from block six to 12 in Changjiji.

Thimphu Thromde and National Housing Development Corporation (NHDC) had been supplying water through the ground floor water pipes and from vehicles carrying water tanks.

An engineer with the thromde, Samten Lhendup, said that on September 9, a spare water pump was installed but there was less water discharge with the new pump. “The spare pump is not able to push water like the previous pump. The water has no pressure to climb up, so it is unable to reach the residents living above the ground floor.”

He said that the pumped water, which reached the ground floor, was distributed to other residents. “Last time as the water could not reach those living in upper floors, thinking that it would be a little helpful than not having water at all, we gave water from the ground floor supply.”

A resident, Kinzang Wangmo, said she used the distributed water only for essential chores such as cooking and drinking. “We go to our relative’s house for washing clothes and bathing.”

Another resident, Dawa Zangmo Sherpa, said she stored the distributed water in small tanks and buckets for daily use.

Samten Lhendup said a booster pump was installed on September 13, at the reservoir tanks near the affected blockes. “With the booster pump installed, residents no longer have to come outside to fetch water.”

An official from NHDC said the booster pump are tested and is working.

Each block in Changjiji receives water alternatively in turns according to their designated timing.

The source of water, Samten Lhendup said, is mainly from Jungshina. “The pump there works on electricity so, when there is no light there is fluctuation in the supply as it cannot pump the water.”

Other sources include the Wangchhu stream and borehole supply.

Karma Cheki

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