Neten Dorji

Pemagatshel—When the Desuung National Service Water Project was completed in Khar, Pemagatshel, Ugyen Wangmo, a 49-year-old resident of Reythung village, was positive that it would solve the long-standing water shortage problems in the community.

With new taps installed and expectations high, she was hopeful that the project would finally provide reliable access to drinking water for her family and neighbours. But her optimism quickly turned to disappointment.

“We were told that we would receive sufficient drinking water from the project,” she said, “but to date, most of the time we have to fetch it from other sources. We have no idea what has happened to the water supply.”

For Ugyen Wangmo and many of her fellow villagers, the promised relief is yet to materialise. Some parts of Reaythung village and neighbouring villages have been grappling with irregular water supply after the project was completed.

Another local resident, Sherub Zangmo, 48, said they have to go without water for three days to a week. “Forget about irrigating vegetable gardens, we face a shortage of drinking water,” she said. “Before the water project, we used to get water regularly.”

With the springs already drying up, most residents rely on the Napola water source during both the winter and monsoon seasons.

“We still use the old water source, and it is good enough for drinking. But many of our neighbours are now facing water shortages,” a local resident Damchoe Dorji said.

He said that issues may stem from problems with the installation of the pipes or their joints. “The project has already faced problems, and we are unsure what will happen next. It has helped some people but not others,” he said.

Some residents have resorted to sourcing water privately, creating additional challenges, particularly for those who depend on a steady supply for their livestock. “Water is insufficient when people rent houses and need enough for their animals,” a local resident, Sonam Tshering, said.

Nima Gyeltshen, 62, said the water project has enabled people to grow vegetables. “When residents of the upper village keep the taps on for long hours, households below the settlement do not receive enough water. This creates a problem for those living further down,” he said.

Shumar gewog administration, in collaboration with the dzongkhag technical officials, carried out rectification work after the project was handed over to the people. However, the problem still persists.

Gup Jamtsho said that the water project has benefited the people and the gewog has been working to address the issues.

“We have allocated part of the Nu 0.55 million budget for drinking water. The current water supply volume is insufficient,” the Gup said. “In collaboration with technical officials from the dzongkhag, we will carry out the rectification work once the dzongkhag Tshechu ends.”

The Gup explained that the growing number of residents in the area is contributing to the water shortage. “Pipelines get blocked by leaves and damaged by landslides, and the rising population is adding to the water woes. Once we connect to the Napola Ri Daza water source, we expect to solve the current water problem.”

The government spent nearly Nu 4 million on the project in 2021. The project is expected to benefit around 300 people in the community.