Many quake-hit villagers of Rampur VDC in Ramechhap district have been facing drinking water shortage as the sources dried up after the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015.

Sujata Tamang of Dadatel in Rampur-5 said everyday she walks one and half hours to collect a vessel of water from Dharakhola. “Our days are spent fetching water these days,” she said.

Kamala Tamang said there used to be water shortage in the past as well, but the situation has become worse since the earthquake.

“There is only one water source left now. Everybody gets their water from there, so we have to wait in line for hours,” she said.

VDC Secretary Laxman Bhujel said the villagers have urged the District Red Cross (DRC) to help them build a drinking water project. “The VDC also have placed the drinking water project in priority,” said Bhujel.

Shiva Kumar Karki, the district chairman of the DRC, said they have started works for a drinking water project in Rampur. “The villagers have demanded to lift water in Dadatol from Khanikhola with the help of electricity,” said Karki. The DRC also has placed the drinking water project in the first priority.