BUILDING CLEAN WATER PIPELINES
The capital city currently has about 65 per cent accessibility to clean water, and authorities have set an ambitious target of 100 per cent by 2030.
The government is also speeding up clean water pipeline construction.
Jakarta Water Resources Department acting secretary Hendri said: “Work is underway to build pipes in (the Special Region of Jakarta) so that later, all areas that have not been served by piped water will be served, so that people can get clean water through those pipes.”
The aim is for the pipeline system to deter people from pumping well water, which increases the risk of land subsidence, especially in certain areas like North Jakarta.
For Cilincing resident Yulia Mayau, who buys her clean water supply from neighbours, filling one hour’s worth of water costs her about US$1.85 and lasts her only three days.
After that, she has to wait for her turn to fill up her supply once again.
“It is expensive. It is a huge expense,” she said.
“If you want to install a pump, if you want to install a network, the water service provider says they need at least 10 houses that want to install it. In the area towards the sea, there are often jams and pump failures.”
Local residents selling their water told CNA that they are not legally allowed to do it, and that the pumps in their homes are only for private consumption.
One resident who was caught selling water after a spot check by authorities said she was fined US$300.
Those living within 80m of the sea can access a 2,000L water storage tank in its vicinity, but leaks in the tank means water runs out faster than expected.
