July 21: Drinking water shortage is not just a rural problem. It is also prevalent in the capital city. Hejo and nearby areas in Thimphu have not had adequate water over the last couple of days.

The residents of Hejo and nearby areas are suffering from an acute shortage of drinking water. Drinking water has always been a problem in this area. The problem has been aggravated by the monsoon rains.

The water is drawn along an old irrigation canal which is used for irrigating their farmland as well as for human consumption. The canal often gets blocked by landslides triggered by the Monsoon rain rendering it unfit for human consumption.

Residents have been working together to clear the landslides and resume the water supply.

They said they have been using the water from the canal for decades now. Phub Dorji who grew up in Hejo said they have been using this water for as long as he can remember. He said he has not suffered from any illness by drinking water from the canal.

Residents are hoping that one day the City Corporation would come to their rescue and provide them with clean drinking water.