Priceless Water

Tasmirah and one of her children sit in the kitchen of their house. Photo: Bunga Sirait/Mercy Corps

Jakarta, Indonesia - It's been two weeks since the massive flood hit Jakarta. While residents in other parts of the city are getting their feet dry again, communities in the devastated - and devastatingly poor - neighborhood of Pejagalan, North Jakarta are just starting to clean up the mud and debris from their houses.

Located near the river, the neighborhood was one of the worst flood-affected areas. Trash-clogged gutters are slowing down the neighborhood's recuperation. This garbage became a source of diseases as well.

The flood has put victims at risk for respiratory infections, skin diseases and waterborne illnesses. Three city hospitals documented at least 30 cases of Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted through exposure to water contaminated with rat urine. One patient died, becoming the city's first victim of the disease this year.

Living with limited access to sanitation has forced some residents to trade their health needs to fulfill their other basic needs. Tasmirah, 30, said that since the flood she has been bathing with rain water.

"The public toilet is drenched, same thing with the pumps. So the only choice I have is rain water," she explains. "Look at this if you don't believe me."

Tasmirah pulled up her shorts to show rashes on her thigh. "The water made my skin itch, but what can I do, I have to take a bath somehow."

Tasmirah, the mother of two young children, also said that like other mothers in her impoverished neighborhood, she's been using rain water to cook food for her family.

"My husband would get so angry if he found out," she says. "I've got no choice. The water vendors couldn't get in the neighborhood because of the flood, and the stores that sell bottled water are so far away. With floodwater as high as my neck, how would I be able do that? Meanwhile, I still have to serve food for my family. I can't let my kids starve."

Tasmirah waits in line to get water for her family. Photo: Bunga Sirait/Mercy Corps

Water still adding to woes

Even with the floodwaters subsiding, life hasn't become any easier for families.

"The water vendors have started to come again, but now, they sell the water for a price of 5000 rupiah (50 cents for a can of 20 liters) - up from the usual price of 1000 rupiah (10 cents)," she laments.

Meanwhile, since the flood, her family's already suffocating financial condition has gotten even worse. By working as a cleaning lady in a private house, Tasmirah usually earns 200,000 rupiah ($20) each month, about the same monthly amount her boat mechanic husband brings home. Both of them have to support two children, in addition to Tasmirah's mother and brother.

The flood halted her work for two weeks. With a ruined house, concerns over health and rising costs, Tasmirah was worried what might come next.

Then she heard that Mercy Corps was coming to provide free clean water to the victims.

Refreshing families

Jostling among the crowds, Tasmirah is among those who quickly get in the line to get the clean water organized and conducted by Mercy Corps. Like other residents, Tasmirah brings home two jerry cans of 20 liters each filled with clean water. The total of water distributed in several areas of North Jakarta is 125,000 liters, benefiting 4,500 families.

After she got her jerry cans filled, Tasmirah heads back home.

"Honestly, I so badly desire to use this water for bathing," Tasmirah laughs. "But my priority now is to use it for cooking. I'm happy, because I don't have to think about getting water for a couple of days ahead. At least my husband won't have doubts about me using rainwater for cooking again."