Come January, 2,210 residents from 442 households in four chiwogs of Udzorong will have a reliable supply of drinking water.

A De-Suung national service water project worth Nu 9.952 million in Udzorong gewog, Trashigang was launched yesterday.

The project will construct five intake structures, eight-reservoir tanks, seven number of break pressure tanks and water transmission lines.

Udzorong Gup, Dorji Tshering, said that parts of Chiya, Barkazor, Baypam and Reezor chiwog would benefit from the water project.  “Chiya and Baypam chiwogs, had been facing an acute water shortage.”

He said that the gewog faced water scarcity during the dry season. “I am hopeful that this water flagship programme would address the current water shortage in the four chiwogs.”

Five water sources have been identified, out of which one is drawn from Lalung drang located about 35 km away from Udzorong gewog centre.

Villagers said most of them depend on rain for agriculture. “Without sufficient water, it is difficult to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation,” said a villager. “We are hoping that the project would bring a huge impact on our livelihoods.”

Reezor tshogpa, Jigme said due to climate change, water sources are drying up in his chiwog. “In the past water was sufficient for agriculture activities and drinking. But today, it is insufficient even for drinking,” he said.

As part of the De-Suungs National Service Initiative, 150 de-suups, four Royal Bhutan Army personnel, two dzongkhag engineers, and four technicians are deployed for the project.

Inaugurating the project, Trashigang dzongdag advised gewog administration and villagers to render any possible support to de-suups.

The water supply project would be completed in six months. Once completed, it would be handed over to the people for ownership and operation.

Another De-Suung National Service Water Project was also launched in Haa yesterday.

Meanwhile, five water projects have been completed and handed over to the public. There are 19 projects underway across the country.

By Neten Dorji | Kanglung

Edited by Tshering Palden