TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of areas in the Bekasi Regency are facing severe drought as the dry season continues. In the worst-hit area of Cibarusah district, residents have been forced to walk more than four kilometres in search of a source of clean water.
"We have been forced to draw water from Cipamingkis and Cihoe creeks because our wells have completely dried out," said Encih, a 24-years old resident of Ridogalih village in Cibarusah to Tempo on Tuesday, September 23, 2014.
Encih is not alone, as residents of Ridomanah and Sirnajati villages also experiencing similar drought conditions. The wells in all three villages have dried up since last month, forcing its' residents to travel far and wide to seek water for their daily needs.
"We only [take] shower once a day, which is when we go to the river to collect water," added Encih.
Since the beginning of the dry season, residents have been forced to bathe and do their washing in the river. Even so, no health problems among residents have been reported. "We are used to it. So far, so good," said Yayah, another resident in the area.
She explained that in order to cook at home, they have to collect water from the creeks in jerry cans - which they have to use sparingly because the creeks are so far away from their homes. "I use a different jerry can to store water for cooking," explained Yayah.
Cibarusah district chief Iman Santoso said that the average family in his area - which has around 1,000 families - requires 10 litres of water every day. "Tirta Bhagasasi, our local tap water company (PDAM), has stopped coming since August," complained Iman. According to Iman, his officials has repeatedly requested for emergency water supply to be sent for his residents, to no avail.
"I feel sorry for the residents. They have had to travel 4 kilometres by foot to look for clean water," said Iman.
A spokesperson for PDAM Tirta Bhagasasi, Endang Kurnaen, said that his company has yet to receive a formal request to provide emergency water supplies from Bekasi Regency administrators. "We are ready to provide emergency water supply if there is a request from the government and/or a direct request to our company from affected residents," said Endang.
Bekasi's Vice Regent has assured that emergency water supplies for drought-affected residents will be dispatched as soon as possible. "We have discussed the issue earlier today, and the aid will be distributed really soon," said Rohim to Tempo.
ADI WARSONO
