Some Bhaktapur settlements facing water shortage even in monsoon

Some places in Bhaktapur Municipality are reeling under acute shortage of water even amidst the monsoon season due to the discrimination in water supply by the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL).

Although KUKL has been distributing water in some areas of the municipality for a gap of few days, few areas are supplied only once every five days while some get the water one day a week and once in three weeks.

Several settlements in Bhaktapur Municipality's wards no 4 and 5 are facing an acute shortage of water due to this irregular and erratic supply of water.

"It's been three weeks water has not come in taps. How come that water is not supplied only to our locality when it is being supplied to other places? Until when should we buy bottled water?" Hiradevi Shrestha, a resident of Bhaktapur-4, said in frustration.

A home-maker also expressed her anger towards the local people's representatives and the local government for turning a blind eye to their problem. "These so-called people's representatives come to our doorsteps asking for votes before elections promising to address local problems, but they are doing nothing to solve this pressing problem now," she said.

According to her, the KUKL office has also not paid attention to their problem.

"They (KUKL) have been charging us for water when it is not giving us this basic facility. Shame on KUKL," she said.

Mayadevi Lohala of Bhaktapur-5 has a similar experience. She said it's been weeks since they have been waiting to get their water supply.

"It's not certain when water will start flowing in our household taps. It is three weeks since we have been waiting for water. Our daily life has been disturbed due to this problem," she lamented.

Moreover, there is not adequate water in the community well as well and this has made matters worse. "There is no water in the public well too even though it's monsoon season. There is a big problem of water shortage in our locality. The whole community is dependent on the well for its water needs.

With the community well also running dry, few households there have joined hands in purchasing water supplied from tankers from private water suppliers.

It is said most of the areas in the town are facing extreme water shortages due to KUKL's negligence and irregularities as well.

The increasing water shortage has led to an increased pressure of people coming to the traditional water sources as stone water spouts, wells, and ponds for washing clothes and fulfilling other needs.

KUKL has been supplying water in the taps once every five days in areas as Itachhein, Banshagopal, Bharbacho, Taumadhi, Pottery Square, and Ghatkha.

The hardest hit is Adarsha, Khanla, Dogan, and Deula which do not get water even in a gap of three weeks. It is said water supply to these areas is cut and it is diverted to other areas.