Last day in Padang Terap

Day 9 [6.8.2008]

Today we were under the BAKAS unit. We are briefed by Mr.Hassan about the unit and what are their responsibilities. It was very short session and further explanation is given on out field visit to few places that comes under observation of BAKAS.

* First we were shown the water pump which was situated in the health office premises itself. The officers also briefed us on how samples were taken from this water pumps for testing.

Then we proceeded to a remote village to see how daily household waste materials were disposed.

* First we saw the steps that waste sink water goes through before it is channeled to a nearby drain. It is called "sistem pelupusan air limbah" all the materials to buld it is provided by BAKAS.

* After that we were shown the toilet used there. We were told that the government supplies all the materials required to build the toilet free of charge. Then the villagers will have to built it them self. The health officers will monitor the progress and approve it.

* Later we were shown how fruits and other wet waste products are disposed. This waste products are usually put in a hold dug in the earth and then a metal cap is provided by the health office. This cap is so that flies and other insects do not enter the dug hole. When the hole is nearly full the cap is removed and hole covered with sand. Normally villagers will plant fruit trees on top of the covered hole.

* Then we also saw the burning method which is used to dispose waste materials.

Monitoring is done frequently to villages with such waste disposal methods as it is important to prevent diseases and maintain a health lifestyle.

After that we went to Puncak Jeniang waterfalls. Here we saw a man made dam. This dam supplies water to a nearby village which has around 169 houses. The water collects in this dam and then there is a filter placed before the water goes to the houses through pipes. The pipes are fixed in a way that water will reach the villagers in high pressure. According to Mr.Hassan, 3 inch pipe is fixed at dam and when it reaches the village it is just half inch in diameter.

After that we came back to the health office and ended our 2 weeks DHO posting in Padang Terap District Health Office with lunch prepared by the office.

Here we also would like to thank you all the officers that spent some of their time with us briefing everything we need to know.

thank you