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Island focus: Drought, water shortage hit thousands
At least 50,000 residents of 31 villages across seven districts in Wonogiri, Central Java, have been affected by a drought since July, according to local authorities who predict that the water shortage will last until October
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t least 50,000 residents of 31 villages across seven districts in Wonogiri, Central Java, have been affected by a drought since July, according to local authorities who predict that the water shortage will last until October.
Wonogiri Regent Joko “Jekek” Sutopo said the residents had tried to survive the drought by buying water for up to Rp 200,000 (US$13.60) per water tank, or around 6,000 liters.
Jekek further said a limited budget had hampered the administration’s plan to put an end to the water crisis. The regency requires Rp 165 billion to build a better system that pumps water from 180 existing groundwater sources to residential homes.
Wonogiri regency allocated Rp 2 billion this year for water needs.
Water crises are common in the region, especially during prolonged dry seasons.
“The water crisis should be addressed permanently to prevent it from recurring,” Jekek said.
Wonogiri Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) head Bambang Haryanto said at least 488 tanks of clean water — worth Rp 81 million — were needed daily to meet the needs of 50,000 residents.
