No More Difficult Problems With Clean Water For Residents In Six Villages In Central Java

Photo by Harry Grout on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The six drilled wells in Wonogiri Regency that were given by the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, have finally been able to meet the needs of clean water for residents who previously had difficulty with clean water.

The six points for drilling wells are Purwantoro Village (Purwantoro District), Banyutowo Village (Paranggupito), Tlogoharjo Village (Giritontro), Ngadiroyo Village (Nguntoronadi), Lemahbang Village (Kismantoro), and Baleharjo Village (Eromoko).

Jamin, a resident of Tlogoharjo Village, admitted that previously residents in his village were forced to build rainwater reservoirs to get water.

In the dry season, residents buy tank water, at a price of Rp. 120,000 per tank. Yet every month, they spend about three to four tanks of water.

In fact, there are also stories of residents selling their livestock to buy water.

"Use a reservoir to collect rainwater. If it's dry, you have to buy tank water. Some sell goats to buy water. After all, they don't have any money," said Jamin, according to a written statement from the Central Java Provincial Government, Saturday, May 21.

However, the hard times of the water have passed. In 2020, his village received drilling well assistance from the Governor of Central Java.

"In 2020, I received assistance from the Governor. Now water is easy, you don't have to buy water anymore," he continued.

When asked about the Wonogiri residents who never bathe because the water is difficult, Jamin denied.

"Well, that's not true. Here, only the livestock are bathed, let alone the people,” he denied.

Marni, another resident of Tlogoharjo Village, added that the drilled well can provide clean water for more than 60 families in her village.

“This drilled well is to meet the residents in the two hamlets. There are about 60 families," he said.

The water sourced from drilled wells is used by residents for their daily needs. In addition, also for livestock needs.

"Yes, for cooking, bathing, drinking and also livestock use this water," he added.

Wasto Sujono, a resident of Baleharjo Village, felt the same way, who was no longer having trouble getting clean water.

"Before 2020, especially Baleharjo, it was difficult to get water for bathing, drinking livestock, all water needs were difficult. After receiving the well assistance from the Governor, the water is no longer a problem," he explained.

Head of the Sewu Lawu ESDM Branch Office, Rifal Gautama, said that in the Wonogiri area, not all of them had water problems, especially in the northern region. Meanwhile, the central and northern regions often experience drought. However, there is still potential for underground rivers. So, until now, his party continues to monitor and study which areas can produce water.

"We always conduct studies with the potential for underground rivers, so that there is a solution to the water problem in Wonogiri," he said.

So far, the Central Java Provincial Government through the Governor's Assistance has provided assistance with drilled wells to fulfill clean water at six points.

"Now there are six drilled wells, which residents can use to meet their clean water needs. Thank God, the need for clean water does not have to be greedy, you have to look as far as possible, because water now flows into people's homes using faucets," he explained.

One drilled well, he said, could meet the needs of more than 50 families. The water quality is also good and safe for consumption.

“The water is good, does not smell, and there are no complaints from the public. Currently, we are continuing to monitor and study which areas have potential for underground rivers and we can explore them," he said.