Slangit Village in Cirebon Faces Annual Clean Water Crisis
As many as 1,700 households in Slangit Village, Klangenan District, Cirebon Regency, are experiencing a clean water crisis every dry season. “In Slangit Village, every dry season we truly lack clean water,” said Slangit Village Head Apendi on Thursday (20/3). According to Apendi, the shortage is due to the village’s geographical conditions, which have no natural water source.
Each dry season, the village administration attempts to meet bathing, washing and toilet needs using water from irrigation channels. “But that is not the best solution because it is not clean water. What else can we do? I still want the community to get water even if it is not clean, because there really is no other water source,” Apendi said. For clean water for drinking and cooking, residents are forced to buy from travelling vendors.
The village has actually proposed the construction of a water source through drilling to the regional government. A drilling point with a depth of around 185 metres has been proposed as an effort to provide a permanent water source for the community.
“I have proposed to the Cirebon Regency Government a borehole source at a depth of 185 metres. However, it has not yet been realised. The obstacle is likely the budget,” Apendi revealed. Apendi and Slangit Village residents strongly hope that both regional and central government can give serious attention to the clean water problem in Slangit Village.
The clean water crisis has made Slangit Village a regular recipient of clean water deliveries every dry season. Clean water aid has been distributed by the Cirebon City Police, among others. Using an Armoured Water Cannon vehicle, 6,000 litres of clean water were delivered to villagers experiencing the crisis.
“This assistance is a form of the Cirebon City Police’s concern for the community. We hope the clean water distributed can help meet the needs of residents affected by the drought,” said Cirebon City Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Imara Utama.
In addition to clean water, the Police Chief and his team also distributed food and milk to the community. The assistance is part of the National Police’s efforts to show care for residents in need.
Meanwhile, Slangit Village Head Apendi welcomed and thanked the Cirebon City Police for helping provide clean water to residents of his village. The clean water aid distributed by the police has been a breath of fresh air for a community that has long struggled to meet basic needs, especially during prolonged dry seasons. “This delivery was led directly by the Police Chief. I am very grateful. Hopefully this clean water assistance can benefit the people of Slangit Village,” he said.