Surkhet: Surkhet valley is reeling under water shortage despite completion of the Jhupra Drinking Water and Sanitation Project a year ago. The project has been able to supply only half of the total water demand in the valley. Jhupra Drinking Water and Sanitation Consumers’ Committee stated that the daily water demand is 8 million litres but the project has been able to supply only 4 million litres of water daily.

President of Jhupra Drinking Water and Sanitation Consumers’ Committee Balaram Sharma admit that the committee has not been able to fulfill the promise made with the consumers. He said, “We had promised the consumers to provide 24-hour water supply but we have not been able to keep our promise.” Sharma added that the committee has not been able to meet the daily water requirement of its consumers as water flow has decreased due to long dry-spell and the residents of Ratu and Jaburta are using the source water to irrigate their fields.

Source: Annapurna Post; Gorkhapatra, May 9, 2009