Households in Bintan Successfully Build Sanitation System Facilities

Tuesday, 20 June 2023, the Governor of Riau Islands (Mr) Ansar Ahmad inaugurated the public-private program of WASH. This program collaborated with Water Stewardship Indonesia (WSI), Global Water Partnership Southeast Asia (GWP-SEA), Safe Water Gardens (SWG), Gadjah Mada University, and UMRAH with a support grant from Tauw Foundation. This program has successfully built sanitation facilities for 58 households in three villages in Bintan Regency, namely: Busung, Kuala Sempang, and Pengujan villages; these three become the first villages to implement Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) system facilities in Indonesia.

Through this program, several facilities have been built for surrounding communities that include a sanitation system in the form of septic tanks, kitchen sinks, water reservoirs, and water filters. It also has had a positive impact. The installation of 48 SWG units, five water reservoirs, 51 kitchen sinks, 46 toilets, and 58 Nazava filters. Two hundred and sixteen residents from 58 heads of households have been positively affected by this program, as well as the emergence of 13 new micro businesses.

The Government has, of course, provided support and encouraged efforts to improve the quality of life through various health programs, where sanitation and clean water are the first things we deal with

(Mr) Ansar Ahmad. the Governor of Riau Island

Moreover, the Governor appreciated all parties involved in the program and invited the whole community to encourage awareness of health's importance.

To increase community knowledge and participation, SWG also trained six people as trainers who will continue WASH coaching in another village. With the presence of WASH trainers, other villages wishing to implement the WASH program that can gain knowledge from trainers who have been trained.

Founder of Safe Water Garden, Dr. Marc Van Loo

The event concluded with the handing over of WASH certificates to WASH Trainers by the Governor, who will become promoters and extension of works in the villages that become WASH Knowledge Centers. This aims to increase public knowledge and awareness regarding the importance of WASH in maintaining health and quality of life.

For further information, please contact Executive Director WSI, (Mr) Fany Wedahuditama: Fany@ws-indonesia.org