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

Jakarta (ANTARA) — The Ministry of Public Works (PU), through the Cidanau Ciujung Cidurian River Basin Centre (BBWS C3), has distributed clean water assistance to communities affected by drought caused by the El Nino dry season in several areas of Lebak Regency, Banten Province.

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said that water is the main foundation of sustainable development. According to him, water plays an important role in supporting the agriculture, energy and climate action sectors, as well as 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 assistance was used to meet communities’ basic needs, such as consumption, cooking and other household purposes, amid declining water source availability.

“In line with the Public Works Minister’s instructions, the entire staff of the Directorate General of Water Resources moved quickly to anticipate and address the impacts of drought in various regions. Our top priority is ensuring that no community or farmland suffers water shortages due to delayed handling,” Arnold said.

In its implementation, BBWS C3 deployed three dump truck fleets to carry water tanks, each containing 3,000 litres of clean water, to be distributed to residents in three villages in Warunggunung District, namely Banjarsari, Sukaraja and Jagabaya villages. In addition, two mobile pump units and eight Kempu units were deployed.

The Ministry of Public Works remains committed to providing the best service to communities through the distribution of clean water to several areas affected by the dry season.

The distribution of clean water is one concrete step to maintain the quality of life of communities, while ensuring daily activities continue despite drought conditions.