Pontianak and Kubu Raya are committed to increasing safely managed climate resilient water and sanitation through partnerships with USAID IUWASH Tangguh and other stakeholders. On January 26th and 27th, 2023, USAID Chief Climate Officer, Gillian Caldwell, observed the collaboration in Pontianak city and Kubu Raya district.
The Mayor of Pontianak City, Edi Rusdi Kamtono, explained how climate change directly affects the quality of raw water in Pontianak City. During rainy season, peat water often pollutes raw water sourced from downstream Kapuas River. Meanwhile, drought occurs during dry season and causes sea water intrusion, increasing the salinity of raw water, making it unsafe to drink for the people who reside at the bank of the river, such as those who live in Kampung Bangka.
During prolonged drought, PDAM Tirta Khatulistiwa must adjust by sourcing raw water from upstream through a 21km long pipe with lower.
The partnerships between USAID IUWASH Tangguh with the government of Pontianak City to achieve 100% access to drinking water.
In Kubu Raya district, USAID IUWASH Tangguh will collaborate with the government and other USAID programs (USAID ERAT and USAID SEGAR) to strengthen watershed management to increase raw water quality and reliability for PDAMs.
“The effort to achieve 100% access to safely managed drinking water cannot be achieved solely through infrastructure development, but also strengthening institutions, supporting regulations, instilling behavior change among the people, as well as funding and investment opportunities to ensure the sustainability of the program, which we find assistance from our partnerships with USAID IUWASH Tangguh,” explain Tri Dewi Virgiyanti, the Director of Housing and Settlement BAPPENAS.
Gillian expressed her appreciation towards the GOI and regional government’s commitment in supporting USAID programs in West Kalimantan, including IUWASH Tangguh. She also emphasized the importance of the sustainability of the program that is inclusive of gender and vulnerable groups. “I hope the quality of access to safely managed drinking water that have been improved can be maintained post program,” she concluded.
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