Over Nine Months of Work: Phase III Report on Laindatang’s Water Connections Project.
Fair Future and Laindatang residents confront challenges to secure clean water and sustainable solutions.
Transporting our own drilling machine, weighing approximately six tonnes, to terrain that is not easily accessible even for the #TruckofLife, showcases the team’s exceptional determination and adaptability.
After the second phase of the project and nine months of dedicated effort, the Laindatang Water Connections Project Phase III was developed to tackle one of East Sumba’s most critical water crises. In the isolated village of Mbatakapidu, residents struggle with a severe safe or clean water shortage. In the dry season, families are forced to travel barefoot as far as six kilometres to collect in a Kullup or purchase water from tankers (more or less 50$ per tank), frequently hindered by impassable roads. This situation severely affects their health, hygiene, and daily living conditions.
Obstacles and community involvement
The project sought to ensure sustainable water access by installing boreholes with solar-powered pumps and ferrocement water storage tanks. However, challenges at the three chosen drilling sites underscored the difficulty of this undertaking. Issues such as collapsing wells due to soft soil, limited water flow, difficulties in reaching reliable aquifers, extended timelines, and complicated operations.
Despite these challenges, the solidarity of the Laindatang community remained unwavering. Alongside us, residents worked tirelessly to repair roads, assist in transporting materials, and offer essential local knowledge. Traditional Marapu rituals enriched the project with cultural significance by seeking blessings for its success.
Advancements and Modifications
Between February and June 2024, drilling activities at three sites reached depths between 32 and 84 meters. Despite these efforts, each attempt showed minimal aquifer recharge and inadequate water flow. The most successful site yielded only 120 liters in seven minutes, which did not meet the community’s requirements. Consequently, the Fair Future Foundation collaborated with technical experts to reassess their strategy in October 2024.
Looking forward, an important modification involves building a 100 m³ reservoir in May 2025, coinciding with the dry season. This initiative seeks to enhance the storage and distribution of clean water using gravity-based systems, thereby reducing dependence on electricity.
The Economic Truth
How to drill a very deep well in an inaccessible and ultra-dry region.
The Laindatang project has encountered major financial hurdles, especially in its well-drilling operations. The initial cost for this activity surpassed IDR 110 million. Further complicating the situation, an additional IDR 84 million was set aside for infrastructure projects that are still unfinished. This inconsistency underscores the project’s logistical and budgeting challenges, leading to prolonged drilling timelines and processes demanding significant resources. As a result of these issues, there have been financial deficits requiring further investments to complete and sustain the project successfully.
Future Solutions
With the ongoing clean water crisis, our focus remains on implementing action-oriented solutions rather than setting mere aspirations. The upcoming phase will concentrate on developing sustainable infrastructure by incorporating advanced technologies and utilizing additional resources.
This report emphasizes the combined resilience of Fair Future, its donors, and the Laindatang community in overcoming challenges. United in our efforts, we are dedicated to enacting practical solutions that change lives by ensuring access to clean water for those who need it most.
Today, January the 1st, 2024 – Alex Wettstein
50 Photos of Laindatang Phase III
Discover the story behind nine months of tireless work in Laindatang’s Water Connections Phase III through a gallery featuring 50 captivating images. Experience the community’s resolve, obstacles overcome, and advancements achieved in tackling East Sumba’s water crisis. From traditional rituals honoring water spirits to innovative solutions such as solar-powered pumps, every image narrates a tale of resilience and initiative.
These visuals embody the enduring strength of human spirit, emphasizing how collective effort and adaptability foster hope and sustainable transformation.
