Bandar Lampung City Faces Severe Water Shortage Amid Drought and Development

A prolonged drought is beginning to trigger water scarcity in various regions, including Bandar Lampung City, Lampung. Residents are finding it increasingly difficult to secure clean water for daily needs, from bathing and washing to consumption. Tariah, a 71-year-old woman, has to repeatedly travel 40 meters from her home to a water reservoir, carrying two buckets with a wooden pole each trip. She doesn't complain, especially when her village receives water assistance from the government. Her memory goes back to the 1980s and 1990s when water was abundant in her village, Batu Suluh, in Way Laga village, Sukabumi district, Bandar Lampung City. Now, she and other residents have to pay Rp50,000 for 1,000 liters of water, which is only enough for her family's needs for 3-4 days. Monthly water expenses can reach Rp400,000, solely for bathing, washing, and toilet use. Wells can no longer be relied upon; there is no more water flowing from their land. Water scarcity in Batu Suluh doesn't require waiting for the dry season. 'Even when it's not a drought, water is hard to get,' she said on August 11. Her neighbor recently drilled a well, penetrating more than 100 meters deep, but still found no water. Water scarcity in Batu Suluh has been felt for the past few decades. This coincides with several hilly areas around the village becoming sites for andesite stone mining. Hills that were once part of the village's landscape have been gradually eroded. On the other hand, downstream areas continue to develop. Industries are growing rapidly not far from residential areas. Factories have sprung up, and economic activities are becoming increasingly bustling. Tariah doesn't know where the water in her village has gone. This article was originally published on Mongabay.