Huntara Clean Water System in South Tapanuli Ready to Operate Next Week

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has confirmed that the temporary residential clean water system (huntara) in Napa Village, Batang Toru District, South Tapanuli Regency, is targeted to be ready to operate next week.

Meanwhile, the physical completion of housing in the area has reached 87.30 percent.

This was confirmed by Minister PU Dody Hanggodo when reviewing the construction site, Thursday, February 26. He emphasized that the availability of clean water was the main requirement before the affected community occupied the residence.

"We don't want residents to enter before the basic needs are ready. Clean water must be sufficient. We are making sure that when occupied, these residences are really worthy and support people's daily activities," said Dody as quoted from a written statement, Friday, February 27.

The clean water system in Batang Toru uses boreholes and water tanks with pumps, while the electricity supply is sourced from PLN with a capacity of 900 watts per unit.

Currently, there are two shallow boreholes and will be increased to four to five points to ensure adequate water for all residents.

"I see that the water discharge is still lacking, so I have to add several drilling points so that it is enough for about 250 families," he said.

The camp is designed to accommodate around 245 families (KK) or around 1,800 people.

The construction of the huntara is carried out by the Strategic Infrastructure Directorate General (Ditjen) of the Ministry of PU.

Dody said that the physical settlement was targeted to be completed on Sunday or Monday next week, according to the request of the local government and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). However, the exact time for the relocation of refugees will be determined by the district government.

"Insyaallah physically next Sunday or Monday it will be finished. But, we still have to correlate with the Regent when the refugees can enter," he explained.

In total, 252 units of huntara were built, divided into 21 modular blocks.

Each block consists of 12 housing units and is equipped with communal sanitation facilities in the form of six toilet units and six shower units, three units for women and three units for men.

A total of 126 toilet units and 126 shower units are available. Then equipped with a shared kitchen, washing area and Wastewater Treatment System (IPAL) with a capacity of 5 cubic meters.

Huntara was built on a land area of 14,369.03 square meters out of a total measured land area of 74,081.51 square meters, with an area of around 2.6 hectares.

The area is also equipped with supporting facilities in the form of a mosque, multipurpose building, futsal court, communal room and children's playground, guard post, green area and parking lot.

The determination of the prospective residents is entirely the authority of the local government.

"Through the acceleration of physical completion coupled with the fulfillment of basic services, we ensure that the residence in Batang Toru is ready to be occupied in a decent and safe manner for people affected by disasters," he added.