Clean Water Made Accessible: Pertamina Supports Residents Affected by NTT Earthquake
Kristian Wawo, a resident of Watubaur, Wangkung Village, Reok District, previously had to travel nearly two kilometres to obtain clean water. For Kristian and other residents, the journey to find water was a daily struggle, with the water collected being used for drinking, cooking, and various household needs.
“There were many hardships in obtaining clean water. Previously, we had to walk almost two kilometres to fetch water. Now, the water source is close thanks to assistance from Pertamina,” Kristian shared.
Amelia, another resident of Watubaur, expressed similar sentiments. Clean water is a primary necessity for the community, particularly after an earthquake struck the Manggarai Regency, which made access to water sources increasingly difficult and distant.
“In disaster conditions like this, when the water we need most becomes available, our primary needs are met. Thank you, Pertamina, for providing clean water facilities here,” Amelia said.
During the emergency response phase, Pertamina distributed 108,500 litres of clean water via water tankers and 2,805 boxes of mineral water to assist the affected population. As conditions gradually recovered, support continued with the construction of two boreholes in the Reok District to ensure the community has a long-term water source.
These two wells now support the clean water needs of 153 households as well as several public facilities. The first well is located in Mata Air, Reok District, with a depth of 32 metres and a flow rate of approximately one litre per second. This well supports 85 households and the Reok Police Station.
The second well is located in Wangkung Village, with a depth of 28 metres and a flow rate of approximately 1.3 litres per second. This source supports 68 households, as well as the St. Wangkung Church, SDK Kedindi, and the St. Arnoldus Wangkung early childhood education centre (PAUD).
Each site is equipped with a water tower, a 1,100-litre capacity tank, a pump, and a piping network to ensure the water can be utilised by the community.
Muhammad Baron, VP of Corporate Communication at PT Pertamina (Persero), stated that Pertamina’s support is tailored to the community’s needs at every stage of disaster management.
“At the beginning of the response, the community needed clean water quickly. As conditions gradually recovered, the next need was to ensure the community has a water source that can be used continuously. Therefore, Pertamina continued its support by building boreholes in two locations,” Baron explained.
According to Baron, the presence of these water sources is expected to help residents return to their daily activities while also supporting schools, places of worship, and public facilities.
“The hope is that the benefits of these water sources are not only felt during the recovery period but can continue to be used by the community in the long term,” Baron added.
For Kristian and the residents of Watubaur, clean water is now much closer. The presence of these water sources not only helps meet daily needs but also forms part of the community’s efforts to rebuild their lives following the disaster.