Drought and bad weather have fueled a clean water crisis on Siumat Island, East Simeulue Sub-district, Simeulue District, Aceh Province, thereby compelling local villagers to consume coconut water to meet their daily needs.
Siumat Island Village Chief Aryunan stated in Simeuelu on Monday that until now, the residents of Indonesia's outermost island located in the Indian Ocean had no proper source of adequate and available clean water.
"If the supply of clean water runs out and the sea waves are high, hundreds of villagers will be forced to consume coconut water for meeting their daily needs," he remarked.
The villagers' clean water supplies were met through rainwater harvesting and from Sinabang, the capital of Simeulue District, located at a three-hour sailing distance by motorboats.
The local authorities have made varied efforts to locate sources of water on the island by manually digging or drilling to make wells.
"However, no water springs have been found so far. There are drilled wells, but the water is salty. Hence, people cannot use it," Aryunan stated.
In addition to the clean water crisis, the Siumat Islanders also need a pier, as the existing one has been badly damaged by the ocean waves.
"The wharf is the main access for the community to travel to Sinabang City. Owing to the damage, boats cannot dock and are compelled to dock far from the pier," he noted.
During bad weather, it will become difficult for people to get to the boats. As a result of this condition, people are susceptible to isolation and the distribution of basic needs is also affected," he added.
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Editor : Mahdani
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