𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠

…𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑲𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑼𝒎𝒂 𝑲𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒘𝒐𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝑨𝒅𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝑰𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒆𝒔

By Kezang Wangmo

After years of grappling with severe water shortages, residents of Kamichu and Uma Khamae Chiwog in Daga Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, are set to see a major improvement in their water supply situation. The introduction of a new water source is poised to alleviate the critical shortages that have plagued these communities, particularly as the Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project- II (PHP-II) nears completion.

For several years, the PHP-II has been providing drinking water via tanker trucks twice a week, a temporary solution that will end as the project wraps up its operations next year. The existing water infrastructure, established over a decade ago with a budget of Nu 6 million (M), has struggled due to contamination and unreliable sources frequently visited by wild animals. This has led to ongoing concerns about water quality and availability for the residents of Daga Gewog.

In response to these challenges, a new water supply project has been initiated with a budget of Nu 2M, allocated under the 13th Five Year Plan. The new source, located in Zamchen under Uma Khamae Chiwog, is expected to deliver a significant improvement in water quality and availability for the community.

Kinga, the Gup of Daga Gewog, confirmed the allocation of funds for this crucial project. “The discovery of this new water source comes as a direct response to the concerns raised in the 13th Five Year Plan, which highlighted the pressing need for a sustainable water solution in the region. This marks a critical milestone in securing an adequate water supply for the gewog’s residents,” Kinga stated. “The gewog has successfully secured a budget of Nu 2M which will bring much-needed relief to residents and various establishments within the gewog.”

The new project is set to significantly enhance the water supply infrastructure in Daga Gewog. Gewog officials, in collaboration with the local community, have embarked on an extensive search for a reliable water source. The development will not only benefit individual households but also key institutions such as the Basic Health Unit (BHU), the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) colony, and local businesses.

The Health Assistant (HA) of Daga Gewog has reported ongoing efforts to address the longstanding issues related to water scarcity and cleanliness. The HA highlighted that maintaining hygiene is a major challenge due to the acute shortage of water, leading to numerous health concerns, particularly during the summer months. “Many residents have faced serious health problems due to the lack of clean water, and the situation worsens during the summer,” the HA noted. “There have been times when we genuinely worried about the risk of dangerous waterborne diseases, which could cause widespread sickness.”

Despite these concerns, the HA expressed cautious optimism about the new water project. “Efforts are underway to secure a clean water supply for the community, which will significantly reduce the health risks posed by the current water shortage,” the HA added.

Local shopkeeper Namgay has felt the impact of the water shortage both personally and professionally. “Running a shop without enough water is challenging. I can’t even keep my toilets clean, and my customers often ask about washroom facilities, which I can’t provide properly due to the water shortage,” Namgay shared. The lack of adequate water has not only affected her business but has also caused personal anxiety about potential health risks.

Namgay’s concerns may soon be alleviated, as the new water source promises to bring much-needed improvements. “With the new water sources, I believe things will get much better. I’ll finally be able to maintain proper cleanliness in my shop, and I won’t have to worry about the health of my customers or myself,” Namgay said with relief.

Tandin Namgay, another resident of Daga Gewog, expressed satisfaction with the upcoming initiative. “I am very happy that we are going to get safe water, which will be convenient for everyone in our village,” he said. “The availability of water will improve our living conditions, enhance cleanliness, and reduce the incidence of sickness. Now I can maintain a hygienic lifestyle. We hope the project will start very soon.”

The new water project is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving rural infrastructure and ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to essential services. The project will involve the construction of new water distribution lines and storage tanks, which are expected to deliver water to every household in Daga Gewog. This transformative development is anticipated to not only improve health outcomes but also enable better agricultural practices and support local livelihoods.

Access to safe water will allow farmers in Daga Gewog to irrigate their fields more effectively, leading to increased agricultural productivity and food security. The enhanced water supply will contribute to more sustainable farming practices and support the local economy.

As the new water system is set to begin, Gewog officials are committed to ensuring that the project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards. The successful implementation of this project will mark a significant step forward in addressing the water supply concerns of Kamichu and Uma Khamae Chiwog and improving the overall quality of life for the residents of Daga Gewog.

With the new water source on the horizon, the community is hopeful that their long-standing water issues will soon be resolved, paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.