"There are three programs, including programs for the elderly, disabled, and the development of productive economic enterprises, with a total fund of Rp2.3 billion," he stated, while inaugurating the Social Solidarity Village of Bajiati Garassikang Village, West Bangkala Sub-district, Jeneponto district, South Sulawesi province, on Monday.
Suharto noted that the selection of Jeneponto for this program was due to its large potential and huge support from the local government.
"The program is aimed at alleviating poverty by mutual assistance and by analyzing the root cause of the problem, so that we will not only be able to help the homeless and beggars but also return them to their villages. Moreover, they will receive shelter and productive economic business too," he remarked.
The Director General also sought the local government`s commitment to assist, oversee, and complement other needs, such as electricity and clean water.
Director of Social Rehabilitation, Sony Manalu, remarked that the construction of the house in the "Desaku Menanti" program in Jeneponto had been started since October 2017.
"It should have been inaugurated by the end of 2017, but because of extreme weather, it was delayed," he explained.
A total of 50 units of houses, with the total of Rp30 million, were built independently on the waqf land of two hectares of the head of village.
"So, they are no longer begging but living prosperously. This is the sixth program after the previous programs held in Pasuruan, Malang, Yogyakarta, and Padang. Later, we will conduct it in Karangasem Bali too," he added.
One of the recipients of the program, named Hasim, expressed his gratitude for receiving the house.
"Hopefully, my family and I can have a better life, and our children can go to school; however, I need electricity and water in my house first," he concluded.
Reported by Desi Purnawati
(T.KR-TQA/INE/B003)
(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/B003)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
