The Micro-Credit program in Manado brings hope for improved sanitation in Bahu.

Manado. Bahu Sub-district is located in the city center of Manado, only around 400 meters from the Bahu Mall. This densely populated residential area along the beach is comprised of modest wooden-walled houses, with earth or basic cement floors. The houses are separated by narrow unpaved alleys where light rarely penetrates. Communal wells, or perigi as they are known locally, provide water for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing clothes. Only a small segment of the Bahu community has access to piped water due to expensive installation costs.

However, last May, the sanitation situation in Bahu Sub-district began to change. PT. Air Manado (formerly PDAM Manado) and BRI Manado are cooperating to provide micro-loans for water installation of Rp. 1.1 million that can be paid off in up to 24 monthly payments.

Meiske Manumpil, 45, a mother of four children that lives in Area I, is just one of the residents now benefiting from the Micro-Credit program. With the loan of Rp. 1.1 million from BRI, Meiske pays only Rp. 83,000 per month for 18 months for her new water connection.

”Before we got water service from PT Air Manado, we used well water. Problems always arose during the dry season when the water level in the well dropped. Now things are much easier. We don’t need to draw water. Bathing, washing and cooking are all much easier now,” Meiske said.

Judith Tulian has still another story. This mother of two children took advantage of the Micro- Credit program. She is paying her Rp 1.1 million connection fee back at a rate of Rp. 67,900 over two years, at BRI’s Malalayang Unit. With her new water connection, Judith’s catering service for 10 families of employees at PLN Manado has been more profitable.

”Before there was water from PT. Air Manado, we had to draw water for washing dishes and pots and pans from the well. We also had to take turns bathing in a hurry because there was always somebody at the well needing water. Now, we wash up and bathe at home, we don’t have the hassle of going to the well,” Judith said.

This Micro-Credit program with PT. Air Manado is the result of mutual cooperation with Manado City BRI, which was facilitated by ESP. Up to now, almost 50 families are benefiting from piped in water, while many other requests for program participation are currently being processed by PT. Air Manado and BRI Manado.

Gusril Bahar, ESP Jakarta