Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works is stepping up efforts to restore access to clean water and sanitation for earthquake-affected communities in Palue Island, Sikka District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
In a statement received here on Monday, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo said his office is exploring technological solutions by partnering with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
“The Public Works Ministry has been exploring technological possibilities to convert seawater into freshwater as a clean water solution for Palue Island residents,” Hanggodo said during a coordination meeting on earthquake relief in Sikka District.
He added the challenge of providing clean water on the island requires special handling. The island’s relatively small size and the presence of an active volcano make finding clean water sources difficult.
“It is not a very large island and I was also informed there is a fairly active volcano, so I figured it would be hard to find a clean water source,” Hanggodo pointed out.
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Damage to clean water infrastructure is one of the most significant post-disaster impacts in Sikka. Out of 495 water infrastructure units affected, 481 sustained heavy damage.
The damage in Palue Sub-district was largely concentrated on rainwater harvesting tanks owned by residents. Meanwhile, minor to moderate damage to public water company infrastructure has already been repaired.
Data compiled by the Ministry of Public Works and the Sikka District Government shows that basic services suffered the worst damage from the earthquake which struck on August 15.
In addition to clean water infrastructure, 371 sanitation facilities were damaged. Of that number, 302 units—primarily communal sanitation facilities owned by the residents—sustained heavy damage.​​​​​​​
Hanggodo affirmed accelerating the recovery of basic infrastructure aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives to ensure disaster-affected communities can get back on their feet and resume normal lives.
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Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Raka Adji
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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