Banjar Regent kicks off demolition of floating latrines in 2020

Banjar Regent Khalilurrahman symbolically dismantles a floating latrine by the Martapura River, Wednesday (Feb 5, 2020). (Antaranews Kalsel/Banjar's PR)

Starting the demolition of floating latrines in 2020, we symbolically dismantle a floating latrine in Tambak Baru Village, Martapura Timur Sub-district,

Martapura, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Regent of Banjar Khalilurrahman used his own hand to dismantle a floating latrine, Wednesday (Feb 5, 2020) as he kicked off the demolition of floating latrines along the Martapura Riverside this year.

The Kick-Off was then followed with the demolition of 302 latrines in 22 villages from 5 sub-districts, where the area still has floating latrines.

"Starting the demolition of floating latrines in 2020, we symbolically dismantle a floating latrine in Tambak Baru Village, Martapura Timur Sub-district," the regent remarked after he initiated dismantling.

The five sub-districts that still have floating latrines are Sungai Tabuk, Martapura Barat, Martapura Timur, Martapura and Astambul, and all will be demolished.

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The regent stated the dismantling of floating latrines is a program that becomes his vision and mission in leading the Banjar District and was carried out since 2016 with a target of 1,000 floating latrines.

He admitted, there were quite a number of obstacles during the implementation of the program, such as people's habit or behavior, lack of awareness, a weak economy, limited land, construction of septic tanks in swampy and watery land, and funds.

"However, thank to the hard work and togetherness of Banjar District Government and the community as well as support from stakeholders. The obstacles were overcome, thus efforts to improve sanitation services were achieved," he said.

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Banjar District Secretary M Hilman said, until 2019 a total of 913 floating latrines had been dismantled, so there as still 87 of the target of 1,000 floating latrines.

But in 2020, through the Special Allocation Fund (DAK) and the district budget (APBD), 278 floating latrines is planned to be demolished as well as to build 180 units of sanitation.

"Our hope by the end of 2020 or early 2021, we (totally have eliminated 1.341 floating latrines then we will continue by building individual anti-septictank sanitation that meet the standards," he said.