Bringing water to Indonesians in need

About 60,000 households in Indonesia will be connected to piped water through a new Australian funded project which will also give 10,000 more homes access to sewerage systems.

The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, and Indonesia’s Minister for Public Works, Djoko Kirmanto, today witnessed the signing of agreements between the Ministry of Finance and local governments that will participate in the new project.

Mr Farmer said Australia has allocated A$25 million to increase access to piped water for urban communities in Indonesia and expand household sewerage connections. The project will focus on poor households.

“This initiative will give about 480,000 Indonesians ready access to cleaner water and better sanitation, helping people stay healthier and more productive,” said Mr Farmer. “We are pleased to be contributing to Indonesia’s efforts to improve access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.”

Less than 20 per cent of Indonesia’s population currently has access to piped water, while only 11 cities have sewerage systems (National Socioeconomic Survey 2007).

Cities and districts in Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi will benefit from Australia’s new water and sanitation initiative.

Work will commence with 25 local governments from next month, with potential for another 10 to join the project later this year.

Australia is also providing support to local governments to effectively manage community water supply and sanitation programs to ensure gains in access are sustainable.

Media Enquiries:
Natasha Simpsons, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550 5609 / 0812 106 9106
Mia Salim, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550 5490 / 0812 107 0237