Makassar allocates Rp8 billion for wastewater infrastructure

The Makassar City Government has allocated Rp8 billion to increase household connections to the Losari Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL). This represents a significant increase from the Rp500 million allocated in 2024. The initiative aims to improve urban sanitation, as current access to sanitation in Makassar stands at only 5.7 percent.

During a visit by Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director Bobur Alimov, Makassar Public Works Department Head Zuhaelsi Zubir noted that the city is offering free connection services to encourage residents to link their waste pipes to the facility. The Losari IPAL, which has been operational since 2024, utilizes Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor technology and has a capacity of 16,000 cubic meters per day. While the facility targets 14,000 connections to serve over 41,000 families, current connections stand at approximately 7.5 percent, or 699 households.

In related infrastructure efforts, the Acting President Director of Perumda Air Minum Makassar, Andi Syahrum, has been coordinating with the Public Works Department to ensure that water pipe networks are protected during drainage construction projects. Additionally, discussions are underway with members of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) to secure central government support for the development of raw water infrastructure, specifically the planned rubber dam on the Tallo River.