Photo: TSE Group, District Military Command 1711/BD present the water infrastructure they’ve built for Persatuan Subvillage in Mandobo District, Boven Digoel Regency (South Papua)
BOVEN DIGOEL – Palm oil firm Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group and District Military Command 1711/Boven Digoel are working together to address community issues like clean water access. Water inequity has forced people across Papua and its most remote places to count on natural sources that are scarce in droughts and often unhygienic. These include rivers, lakes, aquifers, and rainwater catchments.
As a solution, TSE Group and District Military Command 1711/Boven Digoel have drilled a well for the people in Persatuan Subvillage in Mandobo District, Boven Digoel Regency. It’s one of the many areas with a severe clean water crisis.
In fact, shortages are quite common here and in subvillages far inland. Any remaining water is usually contaminated.
The 40-meter well construction happened Friday (4/4), running parallel with two other projects: a small water tower (for stable, year-round supply) and a public bathroom (for better sanitation and overall comfort).
“Our gratitude goes to TSE Group and District Military Command 1711/BD [Boven Digoel]. They’ve built us a bathroom and a well to help us access clean water,” said Bavo Kagup, a neighborhood association leader.
Photo: Locals test the water from one of the facilities
Lt. Col Agustinus Ressa Sala’pa, who spearheads the army office, praised the initiative. “We would like to thank TSE Group for supporting water infrastructure projects, which are important for the community.”
This concerted effort reflects great synergy between the private firm and the state, which sought to improve public infrastructure in remote locations. Papua-based TSE Group was socially responsible for meeting this need (and overall well-being), and the military command helped by keeping track of the progress.
Also involved were Persatuan residents, whose sense of ownership grew in the process. Now, they have hope for a better life and fulfilment of their basic needs.
These projects are more than physical facilities; they’re a step towards a higher quality of life. As clean water flows into homes, locals are expected to maintain the equipment for long-term use. (PR)
