PMI to Distribute Water to Drought-Affected Regions

Jakarta - The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) will distribute clean water to 15 drought-affected districts/cities in five provinces as of Friday (Sept 16). The clean water would be supplied in Gresik, Lumajang and Nganjuk (East Jav), Gunung Kidul, Kulonprogo and Sleman (Yogyakarta), Indramayu, Kabupaten Bandung and Cimahi (West Java), Serang and Tangerang (Banten), Kebumen, Klaten, Magelang, Blora and Purworejo (Central Java), PMI Secretary General Budi Adiputro said in a press statement here on Thursday. The clean water distribution would be done for seven days, from September 16 to 23, 2011, he said. PMI did not take over the task of the government, but it just helped the government, he added. After seven days, he hoped the region would carry out coordination with the central government regarding the water supply, he stated. PMI's Head of Social and Health Service Division dr Lilis Wijaya explained PMI would mobilize 15 water tank vehicles and 45 water and sanitation personnel in each region. Each region was expected to receive 25,000 to 30,000 liters of clean water, she said. The volume of water to be distributed would depend on the water spring locations, if it was relatively near, more water quantity could be supplied, she said. The ongoing drought has been taking place for about two months and has created water crises in many parts of Java, Indonesia's most densely populated island, causing residents to consume dirty water or purchase costly clean water. In East Java's Trenggalek and Kediri districts, thousands of residents are being affected by water crisis as a result of drought which threatens at least 81 villages in tens of sub--districts.