How We Constructed the Laindatang Rainwater Reservoir in Extremely Rural Conditions
A 115,000-litre Solution to Water Scarcity and Early Education in East Sumba
Step-by-step construction of Fair Future’s 115 m³ rainwater reservoir in Laindatang—built without electricity, road access, or water, to store and filter clean rainwater for the entire village.
An Unmatched Achievement in Laindatang: Building a 115,000-Litre Rainwater Reservoir Against All Odds
In Laindatang, East Sumba, a region untouched by roads and characterised by its arid landscapes, we have accomplished something many considered impossible. In just two months, under tough conditions, we built a semi-underground rainwater reservoir with a capacity of 115,000 litres to store pure, triple-filtered rainwater.
This achievement is more than just construction; it represents a logistical and human triumph of great significance. Nearly 200 tonnes of materials were transported along treacherous footpaths and steep inclines to reach the remote village without vehicular access. Each beam, steel sheet, and bag of cement was carefully delivered by hand, motorcycle, Truck of Life, big trucks or small trucks that navigated dangerously close to cliffs.
The reservoir’s innovative design reflects the extraordinary effort dedicated to its creation. Its 75 m² steel roof, engineered to withstand the region’s strong winds, is precisely angled to collect at least 5 m³ of rainwater within two hours. This allows the reservoir to reach capacity in about 20 days during the rainy season. Equipped with a self-designed, triple-filtration system, the water remains clean, cool, and safe, protected by six layers of materials, including a high-quality Sika membrane lining its walls and floor.
This project goes beyond providing water. Beneath the reservoir’s shelter, we are laying the foundation for a PAUD (Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini), an early childhood education centre. Such centres in Indonesia offer rural children, often lacking access to formal preschool, a vital space for learning and development. Here, it will symbolise the strong link between clean water, health, and education.
The effort required technical expertise and relentless teamwork. Fair Future Foundation and Kawan Baik Indonesia, together with our dedicated partners from Gnade in Waingapu and the Laindatang community, worked closely side by side. They shared meals, communal sleeping arrangements, and endured daily physical hardships to reach this shared goal.
Merging Swiss precision and high standards with a steadfast collective vision, this project has exceeded expectations. It stands not just as a reservoir but as a fulfilled promise, a commitment to health and safety, and a testament to the strength of united community effort.
For those interested in this transformative journey, we invite you to explore our detailed photo gallery capturing every stage of the construction process. Each image shows the determination, challenges, and collective joy of creating something with the potential to improve lives for generations.
Fair Future Foundation and Kawan Baik Indonesia remain dedicated to sustainably enhancing the quality of life and making an impact in healthcare and education. This project in Laindatang is yet another example of their meaningful initiatives, carried out with Swiss-standard methods, and grounded in shared community values of collaboration and resilience.
Today, the 12th of August 2025 – Alex Wettstein
In Short – Clean Water, Lasting Change
The 115,000-litre rainwater reservoir in Laindatang will do more than just quench thirst. Clean, triple-filtered water means fewer waterborne diseases, healthier children who can attend school, and families saved from hours spent fetching water. It strengthens the local economy by reducing healthcare costs and freeing up time for work, learning, and community life. For future generations, it’s not just infrastructure — it’s the foundation for health, dignity, and opportunity.
Watch over 30 short videos capturing every step of the Laindatang reservoir construction — from the first shovel to the final drop of clean water. Click here to view the films.
Laindatang Reservoir Construction Gallery
List of Related Organisations with Hyperlinks
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Rotary International: Supports humanitarian projects worldwide, including water and health initiatives.
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UNICEF: Advocates for children’s rights, including access to clean water and education.
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WaterAid: Works globally to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in underserved communities.
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Sika Group: A global leader in construction materials, including waterproofing membranes.
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World Health Organisation (WHO): Promotes global public health, including standards for safe water.
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Engineers Without Borders: Brings engineering expertise to humanitarian challenges.
