Pondok Labu Residents Receive Free Clean Water Amid Drought

The South Jakarta Administration has moved quickly to respond to residents' reports of a clean water crisis caused by drought during the prolonged dry season.

One resident's well had dried up

Free clean water assistance was distributed to residents on Jalan Tridarma X, RT 02/08, Pondok Labu Urban Village, Cilandak Sub-district, South Jakarta.

South Jakarta BPBD Deploys Water Tankers to Assist Residents Affected by Drought

Pondok Labu Urban Village Head Nachnoer Vernier Atom said the response was made after the urban village received a report from residents and immediately inspected the location.

"One resident's well had dried up. We received the report about two days ago, surveyed the location yesterday, and delivered the assistance today," he said on Tuesday (9/15).

Following the site inspection, the urban village coordinated with the Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and PAM Jaya to deliver the water using a 5,000-liter water tanker.

"Residents had already prepared a water storage container. Around 1,000 liters of the 5,000-liter tank was used to fill the container at the home of the resident most affected by the drought," he explained.

Vernier assured residents that the clean water assistance was provided free of charge, with no fees or requirements. His office is also coordinating with RT and RW administrators to identify other areas that may need similar assistance.

"We are still identifying locations that need assistance and coordinating with RT and RW administrators in Pondok Labu. If residents need clean water, they can contact the urban village office, city-level or provincial BPBD directly," he highlighted.

Meanwhile, Patricia, a resident affected by the drought, said she was greatly helped by the South Jakarta Administration's quick response after she raised her complaint on social media.

"At first, I posted on Threads because I had no idea what else to do. Many residents told me to contact the government directly. I didn't expect the response to be so quick," she recalled.

Patricia said the drought had been most severe over the past two weeks. The water level in her well had dropped drastically, meaning it could only be used at certain times.

"The water itself is actually fine, but the volume is very low. At my house, the pump can only turn on at dawn. During the day, in the morning, or from 10 PM to midnight, there is no water at all," she explained.