Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar

With the handing over of De-suung water project to Brongshing and Mokhoma villagers in Gomdar, Samdrupjongkhar, residents will no longer have to depend on stream and pond water for drinking purposes.

The water project that started on April 28 was completed and handed over to the gewog on July 25. More than 50 de-suups and army personnel constructed three reservoirs and laid pipeline in more than 12 kilometres.

The Nu 1.8 million (M) project would benefit more than 56 households in the two villages. If awarded to contractors, it could have cost Nu 3.7M.

During the handing over session, Samdrupjongkhar dzongdag, Tharchin Lhendup, said people of Brongshing and Mokhoma should now take ownership and be responsible for the maintenance.

Two water caretakers, one each from Brongshing and Mokhoma, were trained in plumbing works and handed over the tools.

Gomdar gup, Sonam Tshering, said the gewog included the water project for Brongshing and Mokhoma in the dzongkhag water flagship programme, where dzongkhag would provide materials and people would contribute labour.

He said they were worried if the contractor would complete the work on time if executed under the flagship programme. “But the desuups completed the project within a short period.”

Meanwhile, villagers are happy.

A villager from Brongshig, Kelzang Dawa, said with adequate and reliable water, they can now cultivate more vegetables for commercial purposes. “ We are thankful to the de-suung water project.”

He said the taps in front of the houses will  not remain dry now.

Edited by Tashi Dema