The Chief Executive Officer of Wonogiri District, Mr. Joko Sutopo, reiterated his commitment to advancing WASH and water resource management sector during a meeting with USAID Indonesia and USAID IUWASH Tangguh teams in the district on May 5th, 2023.
The meeting also encompassed a range of topics, extending beyond the specific areas of focus relating to the WASH and WRM sectors. Notably, discussions centered on poverty reduction, stunting mitigation, support for persons with disabilities, and the utilization of Village Funding for diverse development initiatives across the Wonogiri district.
Mr. Sutopo provided a comprehensive overview of his priority programs related to WASH and WRM, including the progress, outcomes, and challenges that require support from external entities such as USAID.
“We welcome support from others and thank to USAID for the support to improved WASH and WRM sector in Wonogiri district. This effort will reduce the stunting and poverty rates in Wonogiri district. I am targeting to reduce the poverty rate to one digit (from 24% to about 8%),” said Mr, Sutopo.
One interesting topic relevant to USAID IUWASH Tangguh’s scope includes expanding water supply access in southern area of Wonogiri district, expanding access to safely-managed drinking water for people living in informal settlements (there are 2,300 households that could be connected to a potential master meter system), utilization of the Village Fund to support increased access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services, and women empowerment program to support WASH and WRM sector.
Aside from meeting with the Chief Executive of Wonogiri, USAID Indonesia and USAID IUWASH Tangguh teams also visited Kerjo Lor village, a community intervention location of USAID IUWASH Tangguh.
The visit noted that the community entry activities strengthened their understanding on the importance of increased access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services.
The USAID Indonesia and USAID IUWASH Tangguh teams had a discussion with the Village Head, Ms. Laura and her staff and community promoters.
One of the community promotors, Ms. Yuni said, “Through the support for the household survey on handwashing with soap, I newly experienced how to promote improved hygiene behaviors including handwashing with soap. I will continue to promote this behavior within my community.”
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