PURWAKARTA, NGANTAY VILLAGE – A team of 21 students from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), known as KKN Group 6 or "N6alir," led by Raihan Aqeel Keanu Azra, carried out a community service project in Ngantay Village from August 6 to August 27, 2024. This initiative aimed to address the community’s pressing need for clean water through sustainable infrastructure development.
The project focused on building water supply infrastructure, including a bore well, water tower, and distribution pipelines, to ensure clean water reaches every household in Ngantay Village. Previously, residents relied on untreated reservoir water as their primary source, which posed health risks and was insufficient during the dry season.
Infrastructure Development and Community Engagement
Throughout the program, the team worked on several key activities: drilling a bore well, constructing a water tower, installing a distribution pipeline system, and setting up a reservoir for water storage. In addition to infrastructure development, Group N6alir prioritized education and community empowerment.
As part of the “Ngantay Learning” program, which ran six times over 21 days, students provided educational sessions for children aged 1-14. This program introduced fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic (calistung) while inspiring children to dream big. Sessions also covered moral values, kindness, and religious teachings. Other activities, including evening exercise sessions, Independence Day competitions, and communal feasts (liwetan), helped strengthen community bonds.
Overcoming Challenges with Community Support
The warm welcome and active participation of the Ngantay Village residents played a crucial role in the success of the program. Villagers provided logistical support, helped transport building materials, and even offered moral encouragement. However, logistical challenges were significant; the village was only accessible by boat, requiring a river crossing via the Jatiluhur Reservoir. The lack of a proper road network and reliance on untreated reservoir water further complicated daily life.
"Ngantay Village faces serious challenges in accessing clean water. Due to its remote location and the absence of a reliable road network, transportation is difficult. Before this project, residents depended on untreated reservoir water, which became especially problematic during dry seasons when the reservoir level dropped over 50 meters," explained Raihan Aqeel Keanu Azra, a student of Environmental Infrastructure Engineering (RIL).
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Group N6alir prioritized clean water access as a critical initiative. The reliance on untreated reservoir water posed serious health concerns, and frequent power outages disrupted water pump operations, further complicating the water supply.
Innovative Solutions: Solar Panels and Sustainable Infrastructure
To address power limitations, the team installed solar panels at the local mosque. This initiative aimed to reduce residents' electricity expenses while ensuring that the main pump for water distribution could operate reliably. The integration of solar power marked a step toward long-term sustainability.
With the completion of this project, Ngantay Village now has improved access to clean water year-round, reducing dependence on untreated reservoir water. Additionally, community involvement in the construction process has fostered a sense of ownership, encouraging proper maintenance and sustainability of the system.
Lessons Learned and Future Hopes
Throughout the project, Group N6alir realized the importance of engaging the community in both planning and implementation. The villagers' collective effort and firsthand knowledge significantly contributed to overcoming various challenges. These experiences provided valuable insights that the students will carry forward beyond their KKN experience.
Looking ahead, the team hopes that road access to Ngantay Village will be improved to facilitate future development and enhance residents’ quality of life. They also aspire for this project to serve as a model for similar clean water initiatives in remote communities, demonstrating how small efforts can lead to long-lasting positive change.
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