After months of living with the uncertainty of clean water access, residents of a hamlet in the Tapanuli Tengah Regency can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The completion of a new piping system has brought water rushing back into people's homes. The difficult days of trekking to distant water sources just to meet basic needs are over. For Obelius (31), this change is more than just a convenience; it offers a sense of security for his family amidst the ongoing flood and landslide emergency response in Sumatra.
Obelius works as a temporary staff member and lives with his wife and two children. He was personally involved in the construction of the pipeline in his village, meaning he didn't just feel the impact—he actively contributed to the work.
Before the system was repaired, the water supply at his home was often insufficient. A weak and unstable flow made everyday essentials like bathing, washing, and cooking a struggle.
“Before, there was very little water; it was frustrating. Now it is strong and fast-flowing. For the past few days, no one has complained about the water at all,” he said.
The situation grew even more dire when disaster struck. For nearly a week, the water stopped flowing entirely. During that time, Obelius and his family were forced to bathe and wash in a river located about 500 metres from their home. “At that time, there was no water for almost a week. We washed in the river. Even though it looked clear, you couldn't be sure it was actually clean,” he recalled.
Various attempts were made to fix the issue independently. He even replaced pipes at his own expense, thinking the fault lay in the network around his house. However, these efforts proved fruitless.
The turning point came when Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) arrived to provide support for the construction of a clean water piping system. The donation of materials, such as pipes and other equipment, was a lifeline for a community that previously lacked the resources to repair the system themselves. The construction was carried out through gotong royong (community self-help).
Having helped build it himself, Obelius feels a particular sense of pride. Now, he and his family are among the residents enjoying the fruits of that collective labour.
Since the piping system was finished and became fully operational, the transformation has been profound. “Now there is plenty of water—you could even say it’s more than enough. We don’t have to worry about it running out anymore,” he remarked. No longer do residents have to leave their jobs just to go in search of water.
This has naturally improved his family’s daily life. Household chores have become much easier, particularly for his wife who manages the home. His children can now bathe comfortably at home instead of trekking to the river.
At a community level, the change is just as visible. Where once the air was filled with complaints about the lack of water, there is now silence. Residents can refocus on their daily work without the constant distraction of securing a basic necessity.
Seeing this transformation, the community has committed to maintaining and looking after the new piping system. Residents have agreed to use water wisely and work together to protect the facilities so they can be used for years to come.
“We are very grateful to WVI for helping our village. We may not be able to pay it back, but we can only pray that everyone who helped is blessed and that their work continues to go well,” he said.
For Obelius and his neighbours, clean water is no longer something to be fought for every day. It has become a reliable part of their lives, bringing a sense of ease, comfort, and security that had briefly been lost.
Author: Beni Imran Sentosa (Freelance for WASH project in Sumatra Floods and Landslides Emergency Response)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)