Residents of Three Pagodas Pass in Kyarinnseikyi Township, Karen State, along the Thai-Myanmar border, say water supply businesses should solve the drinking water shortages that local people face every year during April and May.
Residents said water shortages began before this year’s Thingyan festival and that water supply businesses have been unable to distribute enough water.
A local resident told IMNA that reservoirs, wells, and natural water caves had significantly dried up. Although water supply businesses announced they would distribute water to neighborhoods on a rotating schedule, some wards had gone for more than a week without receiving water, creating severe difficulties for residents.
“Both the water supply company and local people with artesian wells are distributing water. But because water levels have dropped, the main company can only supply one ward per day. Those using artesian wells distribute water every day, but the supply time is limited,” the resident said.
The resident added that water supply businesses, which collect monthly service fees from residents, should already have addressed the recurring drinking water problem.
In Three Pagodas Pass, Shwe Chaung Sone Water Distribution Company and local residents with artesian wells are distributing water on a small scale within neighborhoods.
A local woman said residents without water storage tanks or containers were being forced to buy water and were facing increasing hardship.
“People who have places to store water are in a slightly better situation, but they still have to use water carefully because they do not know when their turn to receive water will come again. Those without storage space are facing more difficulties, and they have to rely on water trucks,” she said.
Residents have also criticized the continued collection of water meter fees of up to 500 baht in some neighborhoods where no water is being supplied at all.
Locals said this year’s summer season has been hotter than previous years, causing more severe water shortages in Three Pagodas Pass.
Shwe Chaung Sone Water Distribution Company announced last April that it distributes water drawn from a natural water cave, but water output has declined due to drought conditions, making it impossible to provide water continuously.
The company also stated that customers with complaints regarding water distribution could visit the CEO office during office hours to discuss the matter.
However, residents said the company had never responded to their inquiries when contacted for information regarding water supply issues.
