In Focus

By Bonnie K. Carenen

Communities living in the Mentawai Islands lack of information and infrastructure for  proper hygiene and sanitation. The communities, which experienced earthquakes and tsunami on October 25, 2010 are especially vulnerable to waterborne diseases like diarrhea.

Many children and adults practice open defecation both in the jungle next to water sources, in the villages and in IDP camps where people live in close proximity. “There are a couple of latrines in the IDPs camp, but they are outnumbered by the people here,” said one of the displaced. The latrines also seem to be abandoned since there’s no enough water supplies. Children hid in the bushes to relieve themselves and also went swimming and bathing in the pond while mothers washed laundry and dishes nearby. Moreover, most people do not wash their hands with soap. They often take water for drinking from the same river or pond.

Children in IDPs camp in Pagai Selatan Island are vulnerable to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea as they practice open defecation
(Andreas Sinaga/ CWS Indonesia )

Since the earthquake, with so many people displaced, and now in the midst of the rainy season, the risk of illness from open defecation is even higher. Without latrines, community members are likely to relieve themselves wherever is convenient; and doing so outdoors in the rain close to human habitation, contaminates the water supply and leads to illness. “I’m worried because my kids got sick pretty often now. It’s either rash or diarrhea,” stated Rosanah, a mother of five who stays in IDPs camp at Km 37 Pagai Selatan Island with her family.

Children living in the IDP camp at km 44 played joyfully around the Church World Service team and partners who were conducting a preliminary assessment for water and sanitation needs in this community. The community needs temporary latrines with a septic tank while they determine what their longer term future will be. They also need purified water from a bladder or water tank so that they do not catch or spread illness with contaminated water.

CWS bladder provides water supply to community in Pagai Selatan Island. They use the water for drinking, bathing and washing.
(Andreas Sinaga/ CWS Indonesia )

Church World Service is actively responding in the post-disaster emergency and in the recovery phases, to help residents in the Mentawai Islands to rebuild their lives better than before. CWS practices partnership and sustainable recovery programs that benefit all members of the community in Mentawai Islands, especially in Pagai Selatan Island.