Bhutan
Bhutan: water shortage problem hits Prime Minister’s home
06 May 09
Even the Prime Minister’s residence has fallen victim to drinking water shortages, attributed to the failure of Bhutan’s rural water supply scheme (RWSS). About 88 per cent of houses in Bhutan are supposed to be covered under the RWSS, but of that only about 36 per cent work without a problem and some 31 per cent are non-functional.
Bhutan, Trashigang: farmers build toilets to practice new skills
10 Dec 08
Farmers in Trashigang, Bhutan, have been constructing toilets to practice skills they have learned while participating in a rural skills development project. Building the toilets enables them to practice carpentry, masonry, plumbing and wiring.
Bhutan: first eco-friendly sewerage plant goes into operation
25 Nov 08
Bhutan's first eco-friendly sewerage plant, in Trashigang town, was commissioned on 17th November, 2008. The plant, built with funding from DANIDA, will serve 58 houses in the town.
Bhutan: communities clean up to honour new king
05 Nov 08
Communities in Bhutan have cleaned up their streets to mark the coronation of their new King. The campaign hopes to encourage people to adopt good sanitation practices.
Bhutan, Mongar: rainwater harvesting can help meet rapidly-rising demand for drinking water
28 Oct 08
As the town of Mongar in Bhutan grows rapidly, its already limited water supply capacity will be unable to meet demand. Rainwater harvesting offers a cheap and sustainable solution.
Bhutan: rural water supply schemes falling into disrepair
09 Oct 08
A survey by Bhutan's health ministry shows that up to 65% of the country's rural water supply schemes are in need of repair. A little over 12% are not functioning at all, presenting a risk of contamination.
Bhutan, Thimphu: first case of dengue fever in capital
11 Sep 08
The first ever case of dengue fever has been detected in the Bhutan capital, Thimphu. The hospital has treate dengue patients before, but all from outside the city.
Bhutan: 'toilet revolution' has not led to high use
25 Aug 08
Despite widespread availability of public toilets in Bhutan, they are not used very intensely. They often fall into disrepair or are used for other purposes.
Bhutan: traditional water-sharing system 'feudal and unfair'
14 Aug 08
As water-related problems accumulate in Bhutan, policy-makers call for legislation to regulate water-sharing. A draft Water Act was prepared in 2002, but has been in hibernation ever since.
Bhutan: International Sanitation Day observed
01 May 08
On 12 April students from the capital Thimphu performed dances and skits with the theme “Sanitation Matters” to observe International Sanitation Day/World Water Day. Even though water and sanitation are government priorities and coverage levels have increased, water-related diseases are still among the leading causes of child mortality.
