Let The Clean Water Be Near

For a long time, the residents of a village in Southwest Sumba have faced limited access to clean water. Children and adults alike had to walk great distances to fetch water, including Bapa Aldo and his family. 

One of the villages supported by Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) is located high up on a hill. It is difficult to imagine how the children and the community managed to get water. Typically, water sources are found in the valleys, while the settlements are perched on the peaks. The steep paths certainly made the task arduous. 

However, that particular afternoon felt different because soon, the children and the community would enjoy clean water right in front of their homes. Thanks to the support of donors and the excellent cooperation between WVI and the community, the village was able to install water pipes connecting the reservoir to public taps near the settlement. 

The entire village worked together, shoulder to shoulder, carrying the pipes and pulling them along the designated path. The pipes were surprisingly heavy, and the route was slightly uphill. The installation process was challenging, but everything was overcome because the hope of accessible clean water was finally within reach. 

“We used to have to go all the way down there to get water,” said Bapa Aldo, gesturing towards the valley. “But now we are happy because the water is so much closer to us. We no longer need to walk that long distance down there,” he added. 

With steady hands, Bapa Aldo and several others installed the pipe joints. At the other end, children looked on with joy, enjoying the water from the reservoir. “We are so happy because the water is close now,” they said. 

Author: Ventia Sabathini (South West Sumba AP Manager) 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)