A key objective of the Community Plumbing Challenge (CPC) program is the development of sustainable collaborations that change attitudes, raise awareness, and deliver real health benefits related to improved water, sanitation and hygiene conditions for communities in need. The newest installment of the CPC Indonesia program has reinforced these aims with a series of community consultations and meetings over the first three days of its latest Design Week — discussing implications for the new public toilet and wash facility being proposed with village leaders and local residents alike.
“Firstly, I think that this project is really helpful for local people here. In reality, if this project is implemented, it will help the family who has more members to use the toilet provided since they only have one toilet in their house,” said Andi Patiroi, Untia Village Head (Lurah Untia). “I also believe that this project is highly contributive for the tourism here. It can attract more people by the facilities provided.
“The response of local people here is really positive and good,” Patiroi continued. “It is because they have been expecting and waiting for the project like this. We have been helped previously but it did not really work because we ran out of water, so we ignore to maintain the toilet. But we are really glad that this project comes to us. After this project is implemented, we are committed to maintaining it by coordinating with all elements in this place like local people, village head, and other parties. It will be our pride.”
During this intensive assignment in Untia village, Design Team members have been encouraged to connect with local residents at every possible opportunity. On day three, the group visited local elementary school SDN Inpres Lae-Lae 2, where they presented a range of games and activities promoting handwashing and personal hygiene among the children. Additional outreach like this is vital in building greater understanding and rapport with local families, which in turn enhances design and construction considerations around the new toilet and wash facility being delivered.
“In my perspective, and local people’s perspective, we feel so happy and glad to see this CPC project,” said Dinasuddin Buwai, an Untia resident and coordinator with the community empowerment body Ketua LPM Untia. “We give our warm welcome and we are ready to fulfill the needs for the sake of this effort. Hopefully this project can be implemented well, and it can function and benefit for local people here.”
The latest CPC Indonesia Design Week has also gained from the diverse group of skilled volunteers who have volunteered to support this effort. Tan Wee Teck, Managing Director of Conint Builders and Engineers, Singapore, and President of the Singapore Plumbing Society, is an example of the senior and experienced professional expertise that has become increasingly involved in the CPC program in recent years.
“I was curious to join a Community Plumbing Challenge project, and have now realized there is a bigger purpose behind this activity,” Tan said. “This is a learning journey for all. The organizers deliberately choose a longer path — a design and community consultation process that educates and enriches the lives of everyone involved in the team. To witness these educational motives firsthand is heartwarming.”
Companies or organizations who wish to get involved with the new CPC Indonesia program, or any other future editions of the international CPC program, are encouraged to get in touch via info@iwsh.org. One-time, tax deductible donations to support these efforts may also be made via www.iwsh.org/donate.
ABOUT IWSH
The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) harnesses the skills and expertise of water industry professionals, organizations and manufacturers to support critical water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives worldwide. It does this by tapping into more than 100 years of industry experience to develop local infrastructure, improve governance, and create conditions for better public health and economic outcomes. For more information, visit www.iwsh.org.
Last modified: November 20, 2019