Public Works Ministry distributes clean water aid to Lebak residents affected by drought

The Ministry of Public Works, through the Cidanau Ciujung Cidurian River Basin Centre (BBWS C3), has distributed clean water aid to communities affected by drought due to the El Niño dry season in several areas of Lebak Regency, Banten Province. Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said water is the main foundation of sustainable development. According to him, water plays an important role in supporting the agricultural sector, energy, climate action, and poverty alleviation. “Quality water services are the backbone of economic, social and environmental development, especially for regions facing limited water resources and the impacts of climate change,” Dody said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday. The clean water aid is used to meet the basic needs of the community, such as consumption, cooking, and other household needs, as the availability of water sources declines. “In accordance with the Minister of Public Works’ directive, all ranks of the Directorate General of Water Resources are moving quickly to anticipate and handle the impacts of drought in various regions. Our main priority is to ensure that no community or agricultural land experiences water shortages due to delays in handling,” said Arnold. In its implementation, BBWS C3 deployed three dump truck fleets to carry water tanks, each containing 3,000 litres of clean water, for distribution to residents in three villages in Warunggunung District, namely Banjarsari Village, Sukaraja Village, and Jagabaya Village. In addition, two mobile pump units and eight Kempu units were also deployed. The Ministry of Public Works continues to be committed to providing the best service to the community through the distribution of clean water aid to a number of areas affected by the dry season. The distribution of clean water is one of the concrete steps to maintain the quality of life of the community, while ensuring daily activities continue despite drought conditions.