Australia supports project for rural Indonesia

Australian Senator Kay Patterson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs today announced that Australia will help two million of the most disadvantaged people in Indonesia to access clean safe water.

Australia will contribute $11.1 million to a six year project supplying water and sanitation to two million people living in the Eastern provinces of Indonesia. The funding will be provided through the Australian Government’s overseas aid program.

“Adequate water supply and sanitation facilities are still not available to many low-income families in rural communities of Indonesia. Many people rely on traditional water sources that are often unhealthy, insufficient, unreliable, or difficult to access. Poor sanitation practices also lead to a prevalence of water borne diseases,” Senator Patterson said.

“The project will involve improving communities’ understanding of their own health needs and prevent the transmission of water borne diseases through health education.”

“The project will also involve health education initiatives, with a focus on preventing and treating diarrhoea, skin diseases and worms in children.”

Communities will be responsible for financing at least 20% of the capital costs and 100% of the operational costs of the water systems, including house connections.

“Clean water and sanitation improves health and minimises the need for expensive medical treatment. Improved health also gives people the opportunity to pursue a better economic livelihood,” she said.

The project will be coordinated by the World Bank, in partnership with the Indonesian Government’s Ministry of Health.

The total value of the World Bank project is $77.1 million, of which Australia will provide $11.1 million. It will operate in six provinces, including Nusa Tenggara Barat, East Java, West and South Sumatra.

Media contacts:
Louise Ahern (Senator Patterson’s office) 02 6277 3800/ 0409 034 403
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489

© Scoop Media