SUMATRA FLOOD: GOVERNMENT ORDERS FAST-TRACKING OF TEMPORARY SHELTERS

JAKARTA, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The Indonesian government had instructed that the construction of temporary shelters to house victims displaced by floods and landslides in Nagari Koto Tinggi, Lima Puluh Kota Regency in West Sumatra, be expedited, while maintaining quality, safety, and access to basic facilities.

National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Secretary-General Dr Rustian said the government is fully committed to ensuring that affected communities promptly have access to decent temporary housing. 

“In addition, sanitation, clean water supply, electricity networks and access to basic services are key priorities in the construction of these shelters,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.

According to BNPB data, to date Lima Puluh Kota Regency recorded 784 displaced victims due to floods and landslides that hit both West and North Sumatra late November.

The disasters affected 16 cities and regencies in West Sumatra and claimed 264 lives, while leaving more than 10,000 victims displaced.

Rustian said under the Phase I proposal, a total of 12 barracks of 60 units were being built in Nagari Koto Tinggi, Gunung Omeh District. 

“Of these, 20 units have reached 50 per cent completion and are expected to be ready for occupancy soon, allowing social activities and daily life of the affected community to resume more normally,” he said.

He expressed hope that the construction of temporary shelters would be completed soon, providing a sense of safety and comfort for affected residents alongside the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of permanent housing.

“The central government, through BNPB, will continue to oversee the overall post-disaster recovery process, including ensuring that the acceleration of temporary shelter construction is carried out on time and on target in accordance with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto,” he said.

-- BERNAMA