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Minister of Social Affairs Assists 100 Disaster Resistant Housing Units for Border Residents in Malaka
Writer :
Alif Mufida Ulya
Translator :
Alif Mufida Ulya
MALAKA (17 June 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini realized the assistance of 100 disaster-resistant housing units for residents in the border area between Indonesia and Timor Leste in Malacca District, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT).
The assistance was given in stages starting with the construction of 20 housing units for residents in Alas Selatan Village, East Kobalima District, Malacca worth IDR 3.3 billion. The construction of the house was marked by the laying of the first stone by the Minister of Social Affairs Risma together with the Regent of Malacca Simon Nahak.
The Minister of Social Affairs said that the construction of disaster-resistant houses in border areas was part of the Ministry of Social Affairs' (MoSA) duties in dealing with underdeveloped, remote and outermost (3T) areas.
"I'm here as my duty. Besides poverty alleviation, we also also have a duty to handle 3T area," said the Minister of Social Affairs in Malacca, Friday (16/6).
Regarding disaster-resistant housing assistance in 3T area, the Minister of Social Affairs said that she would seek a budget for its construction.
"Because it's our job, we try as best we can. If there's still money (the budget), I'll try, but if it's not there, then I'll give up," she said.
The proposed disaster-resistant housing assistance, said the Minister of Social Affairs, would be built in five different villages along the boundary line of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) and the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste (RDTL) in Malacca.
"In addition to the 20 in Alas Selatan Village, there were also 20 recipients of house assistance in Alas Village; 20 in North Alas Village; and 20 in Kota Biru Village, East Kobalima District; as well as 20 in Numponi Village, East Malacca District," she explained.
In addition to disaster-resistant housing assistance, the Minister of Social Affairs also handed over 100 Solar Street Lighting (PJUTS) assistance and 1,500 laying hens to be managed by Malacca residents.
Record Residents' Aspirations
Interacting with local residents during her visits is an integral part of this former Mayor of Surabaya. During her visit to Malacca, Risma invited residents to express their aspirations.
The Head of Naimana Village, Anna Seran, for example. She complained about the condition of her village which turned into a waterway when it rained heavily. This resulted in flooding, so she asked for help from gathering points to evacuate residents in the form of houses on stilts.
"If possible, in one hamlet there are several points (houses on stilts for the evacuation of residents), because our village is a water entryway during a flood," she complained to Risma.
Hearing these complaints, Risma responded casually. According to her, building a house as a gathering point was not a solution. "The assembly point house is not a solution. The truth is that the source of the 'disease' is fixed. What is the 'disease', that's what we are solving," said Risma.
According to the Regent, almost all rivers in Malacca are shallow. "It's the (river) that needs to be dredged so that no more flooding occurs, not the house being moved. If the 'disease' is gone, residents don't need a house as a gathering point anymore," said Risma.
Even so, she admitted that she would help the villagers by setting up a social barn. "We will build a social barn in the area so there will be logistical reserves during a flood," she said.
Aspirations from other residents, such as the lack of availability of clean water, requests for entrepreneurship training, agricultural tools, boats and fishing gear have also been absorbed by Risma.
Meanwhile, the request for school children, including 100 bicycles and 100 uniforms, along with school supplies, is an important note for Risma to distribute immediately.
Public Relations Bureau
Ministry of Social Affairs
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