The Rebuilding of Agricultural Infrastructure in East Lombok
Agricultural infrastructure is one of the facilities that are expected to restore economic growth in the Lombok area after the earthquake happened in 2018. The Orong Sempade irrigation is one of the irrigation systems in the village of Sajang that damaged after being affected by the earthquake. Farmers have made efforts to improve irrigation in cooperation, but there are still many things that need to be improved to support residents' agricultural activities.
Seeing this condition, Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI), with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), is rebuilding infrastructure with the help of community organizations. A total of 15 people, both skilled craftsmen, servers, foremen, and farmers helped the land preparation process mutually. Not only men who work, but women also participate in this development program. Even though currently during the Covid-19 pandemic, the community is still passionate about development until now.
Zainal Abidin, a member of a farmer group that utilizes the Orong Sempade irrigation and is involved in assisting development preparations, feels helped by the rebuilding of WVI and UNDP. He hopes that before the start of the planting season, they can access the Orong Sempade irrigation.
"At the beginning, we were still hesitant when this development had not been going on for months because most of us here are farmers, so irrigation and roads are important for us at this time. We are very grateful because WVI is an organization that targets and prioritizes quality over quantity. We hope that before we enter the beginning of the season for farming, we can use irrigation" said Zainal.
The workers also feel the same way as the farmer groups. They feel helped because they get jobs and income that at least can meet their needs during the pandemic. One of them is Ridawan, a worker who is currently a server.
"Feeling helped by this program, we have work even though we have to wait months for this program to be implemented. I keep waiting because this is the only job available, and at least it can help meet the needs of the family," said Ridawan.
WVI is currently still in the process of this program to complete the construction of the Orong Sempade irrigation and to continue with five other infrastructures in three villages in Sembalun District, East Lombok Regency. The improvement of agricultural infrastructure is expected to be able to restore and improve the people's economy for the better.
Written by: Siluh Puspita, Staff of Lombok Earthquake Emergency Response Wahana Visi Indonesia
