Public Works Ministry Distributes Clean Water to West Lombok Residents Affected by Drought

The Ministry of Public Works, through the Emergency Response Team of the Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) Building, Infrastructure and Area Management Office (BPBPK), has distributed clean water aid to communities as a rapid response to the declaration of a Drought Emergency Status in West Lombok Regency. Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo stated that providing clean water services is a priority for the ministry, especially for communities affected by drought. He noted that water is a crucial foundation for economic, social and environmental development, particularly amidst increasing climate change challenges. ‘In a constantly changing and uncertain world, water is a very important foundation for sustainable development,’ Dody said in Jakarta on Wednesday. The initiative follows drought conditions in Gerebegan Hamlet, Jembatan Gantung Village, Lembar District, and Madak Belek 2 Hamlet, Cendi Menik Village, Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency. Clean water was distributed using tanker trucks, with a total of 12,000 litres supplied and stored in a 5,300-litre reservoir. The aid meets the needs of 220 families experiencing water shortages due to the dry season. Head of BPBPK NTB Dades Prinandes said that rapid response is a key factor in mitigating the impact of drought on the community. He explained that the distribution of clean water is a form of the state’s presence in ensuring the public maintains access to basic needs during the dry season. ‘Disaster management does not only focus on response when emergency conditions occur, but also ensures that the basic needs of the community continue to be met,’ Dades said. He added that this clean water provision represents the state’s presence in delivering services to drought-affected communities. ‘We will continue to coordinate with local governments and all stakeholders so that handling can be carried out quickly, on target and sustainably,’ he said. Dades added that synergy between the central government, local governments and all stakeholders is key to facing the potential for drought, which is expected to continue throughout the dry season. ‘Together with the local government, we will continue to monitor areas experiencing difficulties in accessing clean water. If necessary, the distribution of aid will be adjusted according to developments in field conditions so that the community continues to receive optimal services,’ he said.