Phub Dem | Paro

Since its launch on November 11 last year, the De-suung National Service (DNS) water project completed six projects and benefitted 1,730 households in the country.

The De-suung office, in partnership with the government, initiated 17 water projects.

DNS handed over the sixth project in Naja, Paro, on June 21.

According to the lead project manager of DNS, Gem Tshering, the water projects were initiated in response to His Majesty’s command in September last year. “It will continue until water is connected to every household in the country.”

He said the project focused on delivering balanced regional service prioritising the areas facing acute water shortages. “While identifying the project area, we look into facilities such as road connection, electricity, internet connectivity among other criteria.”

He said the project also trained water caretakers on repairing and maintenance work. “We also brief them on water blueprint starting from the intake tank, pipeline, reservoir to the taps of every household.”

In Naja, the project was executed by 83 de-suups benefitting four villages of Lingzhi, Gumo Singo, Jelekha and Tsomji with 86 households and 425 residents.

It constructed five reservoirs, 4.6km water transmission line, 11.2km distribution pipeline, 43 new tap stands and maintained 30 old taps.

During the handing over ceremony, Finance Minister Namgay Tshering said Bhutanese youth could participate in nationwide projects and nation building during difficult times.

He said the skill development and hands-on training de-suups acquired was critical in nation building.

Naja Gup Kinley Wangdi said the gewog officials and people are grateful to the de-suups for their service and solving water issue in the locality.

He said that although the gewog had been allotting budget to maintain water infrastructure, it was challenging to cover all the areas.

Meanwhile, DNS will inaugurate five water projects in Punakha, Bumthang and Trashiyangtse in July.

Edited by Tashi Dema