BPBD Prepares Water Tanks for Drought-Prone Areas
The Banyumas Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Central Java is preparing water storage tanks for distribution to drought-prone areas. These tanks will serve as reservoirs for distributed water supplies.
Abdul Ladjis, Head of Emergency and Logistics at Banyumas BPBD, stated that two tanks, each with a capacity of 2,000 litres, have been delivered to Sokanegara Urban Village in Purwokerto Timur District. The assistance was provided after the urban village government submitted an official request to the BPBD.
“The request from Sokanegara came in a few days ago, so we immediately distributed two tanks while awaiting the completion of administrative processes and the scheduling of clean water distribution,” he said on Thursday (18/6).
Meanwhile, Tamansari Village in Karanglewas District, which is also beginning to face clean water shortages, has not yet submitted a written request. Despite this, BPBD has conducted a field assessment to determine the actual needs of the residents.
According to Ladjis, BPBD is continuously monitoring several areas categorised as drought-prone. Personnel and water distribution vehicles are also on standby to anticipate an increase in the community’s demand for clean water.
Monitoring results in Sokanegara Urban Village indicate a significant decline in clean water supply. Of approximately 44 previously active customer connections, only three are now functioning.
To meet daily needs, some residents are utilising alternative water sources, including a well belonging to UIN Saizu Purwokerto located near the settlement.
Banyumas BPBD is also coordinating with Perumdam Tirta Satria Banyumas to ensure water supply availability if needed to support aid distribution in affected areas.
He stressed that all distribution of clean water aid and tanks must follow established procedures, including an official request from the village or urban village government.
“In principle, we are ready to assist affected communities. However, distribution must be based on an official request so that aid is targeted and accountable,” he said.
BPBD Banyumas has urged village and urban village governments that are beginning to experience clean water difficulties to report conditions in their areas immediately. This step is considered crucial so that drought management can be carried out more quickly and in a coordinated manner.
BPBD Banyumas has prepared three water tanker trucks and one multifunctional truck to support clean water distribution to the community if needs increase.
Kepala Pelaksana BPBD Banyumas, Dwi Irawan Sukma, stated that his agency has mapped drought-prone areas based on data from previous years.