Public Works accelerates drinking water and sanitation services post-disaster in North Sumatra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) is accelerating the recovery of basic community services, specifically drinking water and sanitation, following disasters in North Sumatra.

Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo emphasised that post-disaster management focuses not only on repairing damaged infrastructure but also on ensuring that the community regains access to basic services.

“Post-disaster recovery is not just about repairing damaged infrastructure, but also about ensuring that the community regains access to their basic needs,” Dody stated in a briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Post-disaster recovery in North Sumatra is ongoing. The Ministry of Public Works is accelerating the restoration of basic services, particularly drinking water and sanitation, across five regencies/cities, namely Central Tapanuli Regency, Sibolga City, North Tapanuli Regency, South Tapanuli Regency, and Langkat Regency.

Through the Directorate General of Human Settlements (Cipta Karya), the Ministry of Public Works is implementing the recovery of drinking water, sanitation, and waste management infrastructure in the affected areas.

In the initial stage, efforts are directed towards meeting the most urgent community needs. Infrastructure damaged or disrupted by the disaster is being addressed to ensure that basic services can function again.

Once urgent needs are met, the Ministry of Public Works will proceed with rehabilitation and reconstruction through the construction of permanent infrastructure to ensure the community can access better services in the long term.