Feature Stories
Creating A Better Life for The Rural Communities
COMMUNITIES 1 November 2018
Located 5km south-east of Paiton II Power Plant, villages in Selobanteng had experienced frequent scarcity of water particularly during the dry season. In response to this, YTL Jawa Timur initiated a water conservation programme, wherein a total of 19 infiltration wells were built in four villages with a total capacity of 42,520m3. The huge capacity of wells is able to support more than 1,900 villagers, and the impacts from drought are reduced significantly.
To further enhance the benefits to the communities, a water storage tank was also installed for better water distribution especially during the dry season. Other than meeting water needs, the infiltration wells could also increase the land’s humidity, thus making the land more fertile for agricultural purposes.
Realizing the importance of stakeholder involvement in this project, the construction activities were carried out by 100% local workforce and community, with the guidance of a consultant. The installed infiltration wells and storage tank are constantly monitored and regularly maintained for optimal water conservation and distribution.
A similar initiative had also been proposed in Malaysia where YTL Power International Berhad signed a Collaboration Agreement with Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM) and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) to financially support Communities Unite for Purewater (CUP) programme. CUP programme aims to provide clean and safe water for rural and indigenous communities in Peninsular and East Malaysia. Launched in 2010, CUP has aided more than 3,000 villagers from eight communities in Perak, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak. These communities had faced obstacles in obtaining clean water supply and sanitation facilities due to their remote locations, which eventually led to health problems such as skin diseases, diarrhea and cholera. The funding has enabled CUP to develop sustainable solutions such as constructing groundwater wells to make clean drinking water accessible. It was also complimented by the installation of ultra-filtration water filters in the villages, providing training on water, sanitation and hygiene, and more.
The work undertaken by CUP is aligned with YTL Group’s vision to provide assistance to underprivileged communities with necessities such as water and sanitation, which urban residents often take for granted. Through the collaboration, a total of 70 units of clean water filters will be installed benefitting more than 350 people from 70 families of Kampung Sion and Kampung Semada Balatok.
