Kotim Distributes 30,000 Litres of Clean Water to Drought-Hit Areas

The East Kotawaringin Regency Government in Central Kalimantan has distributed around 30,000 litres of clean water to residents in southern areas impacted by drought. The effort aims to meet the community’s need for clean water. Natalis Daud, Head of Legal and Public Relations at the Tirta Mentaya Sampit Water Utility, stated on Friday that the distribution is being carried out in stages. The operation uses a single tanker truck with a capacity of 5,000 litres, making two to three deliveries per day. The utility coordinates with village heads or neighbourhood unit leaders to determine distribution points, where residents then collect the water. Currently, the distribution covers several villages that had previously submitted requests, including parts of Samuda Kecil and Parebok villages, which are not yet reached by the water utility network, as well as Lampuyang and Kuin Permai villages, which have no network access at all. The Deputy Regent of East Kotawaringin has visited the distribution site in Lampuyang to ensure the aid reaches those in need. The utility has also received an official request from the Teluk Sampit sub-district head for clean water assistance for all villages in the area, which will be followed up based on field requirements. According to the proposal, six villages require assistance: Parebok needs 30,000 litres per week for 200 families, Basawang needs 35,000 litres for 300 families, Regei Lestari needs 40,000 litres for 320 families, Kuin Permai needs 45,000 litres for 300 families, Lampuyang needs 70,000 litres for 975 families, and Ujung Pandaran needs 20,000 litres for 350 families. Natalis acknowledged that distribution is constrained by limited fleet availability, as only one tanker can be allocated for social assistance while three others continue serving regular customers. He expressed hope for additional fleet support from the regional government or private sector to optimise distribution. He noted that in previous years, support came from private companies and the Regional Disaster Management Agency, and coordination with the agency is already underway, with them indicating readiness to assist as needed.