Villagers in East and Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara have been suffering from water scarcity. Each year, Lombok faces water shortage starting in July, with drought-like conditions between September and October.

We surveyed a small village located in the middle of Lombok Island called, Desa Bujak. With the main water well dug to only 15-metre depth, the villagers were not able to get sufficient clean and potable water for daily necessities. The villagers have to walk up to almost 5kms daily to reach the nearest water source. Drilled wells are an option, but beyond the villagers’ financial means.

IMPACTO launched a pilot project – AirKu – to help local communities build and manage a safe drinking and sanitation system in water-stressed areas.

We identified a local champion for the project, who took the lead to engage the villagers, local legislators, municipality and the youth to get the pilot off-ground.

With 5 months of planning and work, the first 67-metre deep well allowed access to perennial ground water source. The well is now providing clean water for a community of 22 families and 57 members all round the year. The project will be expanded for greater reach across Desa Bujak district in stages – the first stage will provide potable water to the community, and the second stage will improve irrigation for smallhold farming, which is the main source of livelihood for the community.