Students at Sherabgatshel MSS now have access to safe drinking water

Students at Sherubgatshel Middle Secondary School in Samtse now have a reason for celebration as they have been provided with access to clean and safe drinking water, thanks to the installation of a Sky Hydrant water filtration system.

The initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of students and reducing health-related issues caused by waterborne diseases marks a significant step forward for the school community. The installation consists of two water tanks and a Sky Hydrant water filter ensuring a reliable supply of clean water for the students.

The physical infrastructure was completed in December 2023 with funding support from the gewog administration. The installation of the filter on April 8 was made possible through support from Disaster Aid Australia (DAA) under the BHUTAN 2020 Safe Water Project. The DAA project implemented in collaboration with the Department of Education Programmes and the Rotary Club of Thimphu aims to equip schools across Bhutan with safe drinking water facilities.

According to a spokesperson, water scarcity poses a significant challenge for the school particularly during dry and peak monsoon seasons. The broken water pipes in dire need of renovation have further worsened the problem requiring a solution to ensure a reliable and independent water source for the school. Currently, the school shares water sources including Frenchi Khola and Devithan with the gewog.

With a dedicated staff of 47 serving 581 students including 295 male and 286 female, the school looks forward to the positive impact of this clean water initiative.

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞- The Hon’ble Lyonpo for Education and Skills Development inaugurated the Sky Hydrant water filter on April 9.