Public Works Minister Inspects Sipoholon SPAM IKK, Residents Hope for Clean Water Supply

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo inspected the Tarutung Sipoholon SPAM IKK, located in Situmeang Habinsaran, Sipoholon District, Tapanuli Utara Regency, North Sumatra, on Sunday, 8 March. The visit forms part of a series of engagements by the Public Works Ministry in North Sumatra and Aceh to ensure infrastructure development, particularly those affected by hydrometeorological disasters in November 2025. The arrival of the minister was welcomed by PDAM President Director Mual Natio David PPH Hutabarat, together with local residents who hope for improved clean water services in the area. During the inspection, Dody stated that the Ministry of Public Works is processing the construction of a new Water Treatment Plant (Instalasi Pengolahan Air, IPA) with a capacity of 50 litres per second, equivalent to the capacity of the existing facility. “This visit is to ensure that post-disaster infrastructure development proceeds well and on schedule. We also want to see directly the readiness of clean water facilities for the community,” he said. In addition to drinking water infrastructure, the minister also highlighted the readiness of national road infrastructure in the Tapanuli Utara area, including repairs at several landslide sites and the readiness of heavy equipment to anticipate areas prone to landslides. The minister’s presence at the site was warmly welcomed by residents. Some attendees said they hope the SPAM and the new water treatment installation will improve the availability of clean water for Sipoholon and Tarutung residents. “We have long hoped for better clean water services. Hopefully, with the central government’s attention, the community’s water needs can be better guaranteed,” said one resident who witnessed the visit. The inspection also signals the central government’s commitment to accelerating the recovery and development of essential infrastructure in disaster-affected areas, while ensuring public services continue to operate optimally for the community.