Gomtu going thirsty
28 March 2009
The 10-year-old water supply system from Suktikhola in Gomtu, Samtse, constructed by Penden Cement Authority (PCAL), is grappling to meet the demand of the residents.
According to PCAL officials, due to population increase, the present water source is unable to meet the demand. The cement factory needs continuous water supply for its operation.
PCAL has identified a source at Khanapathi, 10 kilometres from Gomtu, which is expected to supply 1.2 million litres of water each day. Once the plan is approved by the government, the source could meet the requirement of the area.
Tashi Penjor from PCAL, who looks after water supply, said a proposal had been submitted to the government. He said the previous government had agreed to support the water supply scheme if the PCAL shared 30 percent of the cost. But after the new government came to power, nothing had been done. He added that PCAL had already worked out the budget estimate for the project.
The town secretary, Yeshi Wangdi, said that, although there was an acute water shortage in the area, they could do nothing since all the town area fell under PCAL which supplied water. He said that, since the factory was more important, it was given the first preference.
Sonam Choden, a shopkeeper, said the one-hour-a-day water supply – 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening – was not enough to meet the requirement. It was just enough for cooking and bathing.
Yeshi Wangdi said water shortage took the centre stage of discussion whenever there was a meeting with the dzongkhag officials, one of which happened six months ago.
Meanwhile, 40 shops scattered across the the PCAL -owned land are awaiting the government approval for the town to have municipality status. Once it is in place, the area will be handed over to the business people, said Yeshi Wangdi.
If government approves the water supply project, the municipality too will get drinking water from the same source but through a separate pipeline.
By Rabi C. Dahal
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No one contributed for the current water supply line from Suktikhola but all the factories and residents of Gomtu are benefitted by the Sukti drinking water project which was solely constructed and funded by PCAL. If this source was used only for PCAL, water for PCAL would be sufficient. Therefore, it should be the other private residents and industries who should be asked to contribute for the newly proposed water supply source.