UNICEF Takes Over GE Water Treatment Plant in Indonesia

UNICEF has contracted PT Suptraco, a private Indonesian company, to operate and manage the donated GE water treatment plant, one of the primary sources of water for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

As reported by United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Indonesia (UNOHCI) today, the plant management was officially handed over by volunteers from CHM2HILL, who have been managing the water treatment plant since January.

Valued at US$128,000, the contract includes operation and management costs, as well as training for five operators from PDAM (Aceh public water treatment company).

UNOHCI also reported that Banda Aceh's main water treatment plant at Sirong Lambaro has been rehabilitated and piped water recommenced, including to 16 major IDP locations around the city. This development allows water-tanking activities to be redirected to other areas of need.

Additionally, management of sludge and waste removal activities has been extended from 20 to 80 locations in a three-month proposal developed by UNICEF and the City Sanitation and Cleaning Department.

A schedule of service and receptacles for rubbish has been distributed throughout Banda Aceh and the IDP camps, which should ensure a systematic collection of rubbish and noticeable improvements in the quality of life at IDP locations.

Source: UNICEF