Aceh legislator urges government to speed up clean water assistance for disaster victims

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Aceh Electoral District, Irmawan urged the government to accelerate the distribution of clean water assistance for victims of floods and landslides in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. He emphasized that clean water is a basic need that cannot be delayed in post-disaster emergency situations.

Irmawan emphasized that the clean water crisis was a serious problem because many of the residents' water sources were damaged or polluted due to floods and landslides. In fact, he said, a number of residents' wells were buried and damaged due to land movement.

"We are very concerned about the condition of the community after the disaster. Clean water is the most basic need, but after the disaster, water becomes a scarce commodity. Many residents' wells can no longer be used because they are contaminated with mud and dirt," said Irmawan in his statement, Friday, December 19.

The PKB legislator for Aceh I district explained that geographically, many affected areas are in hilly areas and river streams. When floods and landslides occur, said Irmawan, the source of the spring is covered with soil material, the piping network is damaged, and the water treatment installation is not functioning.

"This condition makes residents completely dependent on clean water assistance from the government," he said.

According to Irmawan, clean water is needed for basic needs such as drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing. However, until now, this need has not been fully met in a number of affected locations.

"Even for simple needs such as bathing and washing clothes is still very limited. There are still residents wearing clothes covered in mud because they can't be washed due to a lack of clean water," he said.

The member of Commission V of the DPR also reminded that the clean water crisis has the potential to trigger health problems, especially for children and vulnerable groups. He assessed that the lack of clean water would trigger an increase in skin diseases and diarrhea at a number of evacuation points.

"Many children suffer from skin diseases because they cannot clean themselves properly. If left alone, this condition can develop into a health crisis," said Irmawan.

The chairman of the Aceh PKB DPW added that some residents even had to go without bathing for days due to limited clean water supplies. He also urged the government to distribute clean water massively, evenly, and sustainably, including to remote and difficult-to-reach areas.

"Clean water is not just an additional aid, but a basic need that determines the health, dignity, and safety of disaster-affected residents," concluded Irmawan.