Responding to residents' complaints, Social Affairs Minister uses technology in the Search for Clean Water

WAINGAPU (May 19, 2024) - Landing at Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport in Waingapu at 16.25 WITA, Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini immediately visited Niwa Lepir's residence in Pambotanjara Village, Waingapu City District, East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The arrival of Social Affairs Minister Risma on Saturday (18/4) to Niwa's house was none other than to directly review the progress of the Integrated Welfare House (RST) construction for Niwa. There, the Minister patiently listened to the residents' complaints one by one and dialogued with them.

Among several problems raised by residents, one of the problems highlighted by Social Affairs Minister Risma was the difficulty of accessing clean water in the area. However, with complete confidence, Social Affairs Minister Risma assured the residents that God will always provide sufficiency for His people, including the need for clean water.

"We must believe that if God destines us to live in a place, surely God will fulfill everything, including water. So, ladies and gentlemen, you don't need to worry," said Minister Risma to convince Grandma Niwa, who complained about the difficulty of getting water around her house.

Furthermore, the Minister explained that her team from the Ministry of Social Affairs would find the nearest clean water source. One way is to utilize technology. "We use a tool to check water sources; if there is a water source, the tool will vibrate. Later, we will dig it up and test whether it is suitable for use," explained Social Affairs Minister Risma. The Minister also cited other areas, such as East Manggarai Regency and Gunung Kidul Regency, which experienced water difficulties, such as in Waingapu. The Ministry of Social Affairs has built a water installation there and was successful, so residents don't need to worry anymore.

According to Social Affairs Minister Risma, clean water accessibility is one of the efforts to reduce the high number of leprosy sufferers and people with disabilities in the area. "Why is the problem of leprosy so high? Because there is no clean water. So leprosy arises, and malnutrition arises. If the lime content is high in the water consumed by the community, it can damage the brain. So the water content must be checked first, whether it can be used or not," said Social Affairs Minister Risma.

Mensos Risma's visit was her second visit in a month after her visit on 2-3 May, 2024. In addition to reviewing the progress of the RST construction, Social Affairs Minister Risma also reviewed the implementation of social services. In addition to assisting former leprosy sufferers through personal hygiene tools, essential food assistance, nutrition, health checks, and therapy were carried out in the social service activities. Social Affairs Minister Risma also handed over assistance in the form of prosthetic limbs and laying hens to beneficiaries at the Bakti Luhur Orphanage in Waingapu.