11 million Indonesians to benefit from improved and safer dams across Indonesia | WPN World People News

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors, on February 27, approved $125 million in financing to support a government project that aims to upgrade more than 140 dams throughout Indonesia and make them safer for the 11 million people living near the reservoirs.

The second phase of the Dam Operational Improvement and Safety Project (DOISP) will also strengthen the government’s capacity to operate and manage dams across Indonesia. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is co-financing the project with an additional $125 million.

“There should be no shortage of water in any communities in Indonesia. Dams support stable water supply, but it is paramount to ensure their safety to avoid disasters. The World Bank’s continued partnership with Indonesia to improve dam safety will protect millions of Indonesians residing around the dams,” said Rodrigo Chaves, World Bank Country Director for Indonesia.

The Ministry of Public Works and Housing will implement the second phase of the project, which includes support for community participation. Surrounding communities will receive skills training to earn extra income by helping to maintain the dams.

Many of Indonesia’s water basins, particularly those in highly populated areas, can’t supply enough water to neighboring communities. Indonesia ranks very low compared to other countries in terms of having sufficient water storage per capita.

The majority of the 2,200 dams in Indonesia are being used primarily for irrigation. The safety of dams is vital to safeguard surrounding communities, as well as the country’s water resources.

“The rehabilitation and upgrades of dam facilities and improvement of dam operation and safety management are essential to enhance water security, reduce risks and increase the use of the limited water resources, “said Marcus Wishart, Senior Water Resources Management Specialist.

The project is the second co-financing project in Indonesia between the World Bank and the AIIB. In July 2016, the World Bank approved $216.5 million to support the National Slum Upgrading Program, which aims to improve infrastructure in Indonesia’s slum areas.

Source: World Bank