WEST BANGKA -- Limited access to clean water during the dry season has affected communities in several areas of West Bangka Regency, particularly in Mentok District. To help meet this basic need, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk collaborated with the West Bangka Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to distribute clean water assistance to several residential areas.
As part of the collaboration, PT TIMAH provided 15 water tanks, which were placed at several locations based on community needs. The tanks were positioned to make it easier for residents to access clean water from centralized distribution points.
Head of the West Bangka BPBD Syafrizal said cross-sector collaboration is essential to ensure that communities continue to have access to clean water amid drought conditions.
“To provide services to the community, meeting clean water needs during a drought requires cooperation across sectors and among stakeholders in West Bangka Regency,” Syafrizal said.
He explained that the clean water distribution was the result of coordination among BPBD, PT TIMAH, and Perumdam Tirta Sejiran Setason. Areas requiring clean water supplies were identified and mapped as distribution locations.
According to Syafrizal, water sources in several areas of West Bangka are currently in concerning condition due to the drought. Perumdam also continues to seek alternative water sources to maintain services for the community.
“The condition of existing water sources is concerning, but PDAM continues to seek new sources so that it can continue providing services to the community,” he explained.
Syafrizal said placing water tanks at several locations is intended to make distribution more organized while making it easier for residents to access clean water.
The locations were determined based on input from neighborhood and community unit leaders (RT and RW), as well as urban villages and villages, particularly in areas where residents are experiencing water shortages.
“We asked for input from RT and RW leaders in each urban village and village to identify where residents need assistance, how many households we have served, and how many have been affected by the drought in West Bangka,” he explained.
He also urged residents to maintain order when collecting water from the tanks provided so that the distribution process can run smoothly.
“We hope residents will remain orderly when collecting water. Please do not rush or compete for it, so that we can avoid any situations that none of us want,” he said.
Syafrizal expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH’s responsiveness in helping meet the community’s clean water needs. According to him, the support demonstrates how collaboration among stakeholders can quickly be translated into assistance that directly benefits residents.
“PT TIMAH has been very responsive. I submitted the letter today, and by the next morning, the order had already been placed. This is a positive reflection of our cooperation and collaboration,” he said.
He added that coordination with PT TIMAH did not stop at discussions but was immediately followed by tangible support for the community.
“This means that the meetings we hold are not merely ceremonial, but are translated into real assistance. We would like to thank PT TIMAH for its support and willingness to help communities in West Bangka Regency,” he said.
The clean water assistance was warmly welcomed by residents. Nurisa, a resident of RT 02, RW 14, Tanjung Urban Village, said the water storage tanks have made a significant difference for people in her neighborhood.
According to her, residents no longer have to struggle to find containers to store water when clean water is distributed.
“Alhamdulillah, these water tanks have made it easier for us to access water. We no longer need to look for containers to store it. When clean water assistance arrives, we can simply turn on the tap whenever we need it,” she said.
Faridah, a resident of RT 03, RW 14, Tanjung Urban Village, shared a similar view. She said she was grateful that the clean water assistance could help residents meet their daily needs.
“Water is difficult to access here. Even when it is available, it is not suitable for use. We are fortunate to receive clean water assistance, which we can use for drinking and cooking,” she said.
Faridah said residents had previously needed to purchase water to meet their daily needs. With the clean water assistance, households can reduce their spending on water and allocate the money to other family necessities.
“Alhamdulillah, we used to have to buy water. Now, that money can be used to purchase other necessities,” she concluded. (*)
