Australia increases Indonesia’s access to clean water

About 2,000 households in Serang, Banten, now have access to clean water because of work undertaken by the Water Hibah program, supported by the Australian government.

Serang is one of 35 Indonesian districts that has received grants to install new water connections. Australia is working closely with the Indonesian Government to administer this program.

AusAID Infrastructure Counsellor Ben Power today travelled to Serang to visit houses now equipped with clean water.

“More than 100,000 people in Serang now have easier and cheaper access to clean water. This will help improve their health, quality of life and economic potential,” Mr. Power said.

“Australia is proud to be working with Indonesia to improve access to clean water and is committed to helping Indonesia reach its goal of halving the amount of people living without access to clean drinking water,” said Mr. Power.

The grant is part of Australia’s A$25 million commitment to Indonesia to increase piped water in poor urban communities, and to increase the number of households with sewerage connections.

This support will give about 60,000 households across Indonesia new connections to piped water and up to 10,000 households sewerage connections. A further 400,000 Indonesians will have access to cleaner water and better sanitation as a result of the Water Hibah program.

Cities and districts in Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi will benefit from this new water and sanitation initiative. As well as this grant program, Australia is helping local governments manage community water supply and sanitation utilities to ensure the sustainability of this development.

Media Enquiries:
Rendy Djauhari, AusAID Public Affairs, 0811 190 4823