Lack of access to clean water is an issue for a large percentage of people in Central Kalimantan. In the majority of villages in the region, water that is used for drinking and washing comes from stagnant and dirty sources, which leads to the rapid spread of diseases and infections.
The YUM Clean Water Project aims to combat this issue by providing communities with the infrastructure and resources needed to develop a clean water source. YUM works with each community to design and install water tanks, pumps and pipes that will deliver clean, running water to the villages' homes. Once construction is complete, members of the community are appointed by YUM to take responsibility for the ongoing management and financing of the resource.
YUM has already undertaken this project in a number of communities throughout Central Kalimantan and each is now successfully managing their own clean water source. With the support of donors, YUM is hoping to help more villages in the region to access the benefits of clean, running water.
Since 2000, YUM has successfully installed clean water towers and networks in six villages in the sub-district of Bukit Batu, servicing more than a thousand people.
"Before we had the clean water network installed by YUM, we had so much difficulties obtaining water!! Because there are a lot of ?ampar? stones in the ground, we couldn?t get water. We had to constantly ask for water from our neighbors who had drilled wells."
Ibu Nurmiatun (Member of the Banturung community)
The Clean Water Project works inclusively with communities to help improve their quality of health by improving access to clean water. Once YUM has installed the water towers and infrastructure, communities are suported to manage the system themselves by nominating a three-person volunteer management team including a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
"As the new Head of the Suka Mulia management team, I have so far received great support from friends here in the village. But there is still a lot of work a head of us. At first, when I was chosen to lead this managment team, I was a little bit nervous and worried. But YUM has so far been a huge help, and friends in the village have been very patient and good."
Supriadi (Head of the Suka Mulia Clean Water Management Team)
Many communities in Central Kalimantan are still in need of access to clean water. With further funding, YUM hopes to expand their successful project model in 2010 and establish clean water networks in more communities.
