Affected residents are calling for a permanent solution to the recurring water shortage issue after a landslide washed away the water pipelines supplying drinking water to the Olakha-Changbangdu area five days ago. The July 19th pipeline damage impacted parts of Lungtenphu, Changzamtog, Changbangdu, Babesa, Olakha, and Changjalu. Thimphu Thromde resumed distributing water from one of the pipelines yesterday.
The two pipelines carrying water from the Chamgang source were damaged above the BPC substation in Simtokha.
This left residents in the affected area without water for five days. Citing water shortages as a recurrent issue, residents said these disruptions affect their daily lives, from basic hygiene to cooking.
“We have been facing water problems for a long time. This year’s water shortage has been more serious compared to the past. We are having a hard time because of the water shortage,” said Tandin Wangchuk, a resident of Changjalu, Thimphu.
“The water problem has always been there; it is not only today. We would be glad if they could solve this problem,” said Sumitra Darjee, a restaurant owner at Babesa.
“At the household level, it is somehow manageable. However, in restaurants, it is hard to manage without water. Still, we have been managing by storing water in buckets so far,” said Tshering Yangzom, a business owner at Changzamtog.
“Water shortages happen for almost three to four days, and sometimes they last for a week. Without water, it is difficult for us to maintain hygiene. It is also hard to prepare meals for my kids,” said Pokali Subba, a resident of Babesa.
The Thimphu Thromde’s attempt to resume the water supply immediately by placing sandbags failed as high water pressure caused the pipes to burst open again.
The thromde then proceeded to construct a concrete wall. According to the thromde, the steep terrain and lack of road connectivity hindered immediate repair work.
While the pipes were cut off, the thromde provided water to households using water tanks. Water was also supplied from the new borehole for the Babesa area, but due to low voltage issues, the pumps did not work.
According to the thromde, budgetary constraints have impeded plans to solve water shortage issues, especially during the monsoons. Meanwhile, the thromde released water for Lungtenphu and Olakha last evening.
For the Changbangdu and Changzamtog areas, the thromde will release water this evening, as the new concrete walls take time to set.
Dechen Choden & Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sherub Dorji
