Kebun Tanah Terban Village Launches Cash-for-Work Program to Clean Drainage and Prevent Flooding
ACEH TAMIANG — Efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness and ensure the proper functioning of drainage systems are continuing in Kebun Tanah Terban Village, Karang Baru Subdistrict, Aceh Tamiang Regency.
Led by Village Head (Datok Penghulu) Irwan Pane, S.Sos., together with MDSK Chairman Daril Khutzni and LKMK Chairman Saut Isak P. Simanjuntak, the village government and its officials carried out a Village Cash-for-Work Program (Padat Karya Tunai Desa/PKTD) on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
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The activity involved 67 local residents, who worked together to clean drainage ditches, water-disposal channels, and the surrounding environment.
From the beginning of the activity, residents worked collectively to clear sections of the drainage system affected by sedimentation, overgrown weeds, accumulated waste, and other materials that could obstruct the flow of water.
Using simple equipment such as hoes, shovels, brooms, wheelbarrows, and machetes, residents worked side by side to remove materials from the drainage channels and restore smoother water flow.
The PKTD activity was not merely an environmental clean-up effort. More importantly, it represented a concrete initiative by the village government and residents to strengthen environmental awareness while reducing potential risks caused by poorly maintained drainage systems.
More Than Cleanliness: A Preventive Measure Against Flooding
Blocked or heavily sedimented drainage channels can become a serious problem, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Water that should flow through drainage systems may overflow onto roads, yards, and potentially into residential areas.
For this reason, regular maintenance and cleaning of drainage channels are essential components of a healthy and resilient village environment.
“Regular drainage cleaning is strategically important. We should not wait for flooding or standing water to occur before taking action. Prevention is certainly better than waiting for a disaster to happen,” said Village Head Irwan Pane.
According to him, community participation in the PKTD program provides broader benefits. In addition to creating a cleaner environment and better-maintained drainage system, the program gives residents an opportunity to participate directly in productive activities within their own village.
Community Cooperation as the Strength of the Village
The participation of 67 residents demonstrates that village development does not always have to take the form of large-scale projects. Simple activities that directly address the needs of residents are also an important part of sustainable village development.
Clean drainage ditches, unobstructed water channels, and a well-maintained environment may appear simple, but they can have a significant impact on the safety, comfort, and well-being of the community.
The spirit of mutual cooperation that continues to grow among residents is also an important social asset. When the village government and community share a common commitment to environmental protection, potential problems can be addressed more quickly before they develop into larger threats.
The Kebun Tanah Terban Village Government also encourages residents to maintain the results of the clean-up by avoiding the disposal of waste into drainage ditches and water-disposal channels.
After all, environmental cleanliness cannot be maintained through a single clean-up activity. It requires awareness, discipline, and shared responsibility to ensure that drainage systems remain clean and function properly.
“Cleaning the drainage channels is not a one-time task. What is more important after they have been cleaned is how we work together to keep them clean and prevent them from becoming blocked again. This is our shared responsibility,” concluded MDSK Chairman Daril Khutzni.
Through the PKTD program, Kebun Tanah Terban Village is not only mobilizing residents to work and cooperate, but also strengthening public awareness that a healthy, clean, comfortable, and more flood-resilient village begins with the community’s commitment to caring for its surrounding environment.
(Saut Simanjuntak)
