Later on, we will build a social barn in the area, so there will be logistical reserves during a flood
Kupang, E. Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini helped in the construction of 100 disaster-resistant housing units for residents on the border between Indonesia and Timor-Leste in Malaka District, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT).

"There are 20 units in Alas Selatan Village, 20 in Alas Village, 20 in North Alas Village, 20 in Kota Biru Village, East Kobalima Sub-District, and 20 units in Numponi Village, East Malaka Sub-District," Minister Rismaharini noted in a statement received here on Saturday.

Construction of the houses was marked by the laying of the first cornerstone by Minister Rismaharini along with Malaka District Head Simon Nahak during a working visit to the district, Friday.

The assistance was provided in stages, starting with the construction of 20 housing units for residents in Alas Selatan Village, East Kobalima Sub-District, with a value of Rp3.3 billion.

The minister said that the construction of disaster-resistant houses in border areas is part of the ministry's duties pertaining to the handling of underdeveloped, remote and outermost (3T) areas.

Regarding this assistance, Minister Rismaharini will seek a budget for the construction.

In addition to this assistance, the minister also handed over 100 solar-powered public street lights (PJUTS) and 1,500 laying hens to be managed by Malaka's residents.

During her working visit, the former mayor of Surabaya also invited residents to voice their aspirations.

One of those speaking up was Head of Naimana Village, Anna Seran, who drew attention to the condition of roads in her village that got flooded during heavy rains.

Torrential rains also caused flooding in other areas of the village. Hence, she sought help in building houses on stilts as a gathering point for evacuation during floods.

However, Rismaharini said that building houses for gathering points was not a solution. She said that based on reports from the district head, almost all rivers in Malaka were shallow.

Nonetheless, Rismaharini will help villagers with plans to build a social granary.

"Later on, we will build a social barn in the area, so there will be logistical reserves during a flood," she remarked.

Meanwhile, other residents also expressed their concerns over the lack of availability of clean water. They also sought entrepreneurship training, agricultural aids, boats, and fishing gear.

Meanwhile, other requests, including 100 bicycles and 100 uniforms, along with school supplies, were made for school children. Request for the assistance is an important note for the minister to distribute it at the earliest.

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Translator: Fransiska Mariana Nuka, Katriana
Editor: Sri Haryati
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