Danish aid for Gunungkidul

YOGYAKARTA: Danish Ambassador Michael Sternberg has granted food aid and funds for a clean-water project worth Rp 647 million to the drought-stricken district of Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta.

Sternberg, a frequent visitor to Gunungkidul, provided milk, rice and biscuits for the needy worth Rp 332.9 million, as well as pipes and Rp 314.1 million in funds for a clean-water project, district administration spokesman, Suharsono, said here yesterday.

Gunungkidul is often hit by a chronic water shortage. Last year, it was again severely effected by a long drought.

The funds for the clean-water project will be used to procure four main water tanks, 16 secondary water tanks and 15 kilometers of pipes, Suharsono said, reported Antara.

He said the Danish embassy in Jakarta has also named a Canadian non-governmental organization, which is based here, as project consultant.

The pipes will channel clean water from three springs in Beji village to 14 remote villages.