Drinking water projects in quake-hit districts report huge damage

KATHMANDU, June 29: As per the ongoing study of the Department of Water Supply and Sewage (DWSS), the massive earthquake in April and the aftershocks have affected over 40 percent of drinking water projects in severely-hit districts and other areas of the country.

Out of 11,318 drinking water projects operating in the 14 worst-affected districts, 4,530 projects have suffered damage. The report states that there are a total of 41,205 drinking water projects running across the country.

Out of the 4,530 affected projects in severely-hit districts, 1,444 have been able to maintain normal water supply even after the quake. On the other hand, 2,546 projects have not been able to ensure regular supply due to damage they suffered, while 945 projects have ceased to supply water completely.The report studied various components of the drinking water projects to come up with the findings. The components are listed as condition of water sources (Muhan), filter systems, distribution lines that supply water to reservoirs from the sources, reservoirs, pipelines, various chambers and break pressure tanks used in the water distribution process, and project office buildings.

The report reveals that the highest damage was recorded in Sindhuli district, where over 70 projects have been affected with Sindhupalchowk and Kavre coming second with 60 percent damage. The damage in Dolakha, Ramechhap and Rasuwa has been recorded at 45 percent.

Similarly, drinking water projects in Kathmandu and Makwanpur have suffered 30 percent damage.

Under the supervision of Disaster Risk Management Section (DRMS) of the DWSS, the National Management of Information Section (NMIS) had assessed the condition of drinking water projects in the quake-hit districts.

According to Him Prasad Gautam, chief of NMIS, the task of assessing the available data is nearly complete.

"The report will be completed after we get data from some rural villages in the affected districts," said Gautam.

Meanwhile, DRMS Chief Rajit Ojha said resumption of the supply of water in the most affected areas will be given priority.

As per the preliminary report, the cost of damages to hygiene, drinking water and sanitation sectors in quake hit areas could go as high as around Rs 18 billion.

Related story

DWSS to launch 41 projects of drinking water in 31 districts