Urban Water Management Issues and Challenges After the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami Recovery: Lessons Learned from Banda Aceh City, Indonesia

Abstract

Banda Aceh city faced an urban water problem after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami devastated and damaged most of the city. Over 60% of the city area was destroyed, including the entire loss of some areas of land and massive impacts on infrastructure. Water supply infrastructure in particular was badly hit, with only 20% of the clean water available immediately following the event. Contamination of the groundwater by seawater was a crucial factor as the tainted seawater disrupted the clean water balance, which in turn damaged the facilities of the local public water utility company (Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum, PDAM). This loss of capacity came at a critical time, with a large number of disaster victims having a pressing need for water, for crucial hygiene as well as consumption. The reconstruction and rehabilitation phases of the disaster recovery sought to resolve the water resource problem for Banda Aceh citizens, with the restoration of PDAM becoming a top priority. This chapter highlights the urban water management issues and challenges of this situation and the problem of providing the clean water to Banda Aceh’s citizens following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.