Officials Propose Wae Reno Irrigation Repairs for 2027 Budget

Manggarai Timur — Officials said on November 5 that repairs to the Wae Reno irrigation system would be proposed as post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction in the 2027 budget after earthquake damage left 90 hectares of rice fields without adequate water.

The damaged system is the only water source for rice fields in Lame, Golo Lobos village, Lamba Leda Selatan subdistrict, Manggarai Timur. Floresa reported that soil, sand and rocks from a landslide had buried part of the channel near the Wae Reno Bridge on the Trans-Flores road.

Ferdinandus Mbembok, head of the Manggarai Timur Public Works and Spatial Planning Office, said the damage involved the irrigation structure rather than only sediment that could be cleared through routine maintenance. He said the office would seek support through the River Basin Agency or the Water Resources Agency of the Ministry of Public Works.

Why it matters to readers

The disruption threatens rice production in an area where 60 households depend on the irrigation system. The reported impact is local, but it illustrates how earthquake-related damage to basic infrastructure can affect food production and rural livelihoods in Flores.

The earthquake occurred on August 15, according to the report. The irrigation failure then left the rice plots dry, with farmers facing the risk of crop failure because water could not reach the fields.

Physical work is expected to begin after the proposed funding is approved and included in official budget documents. The local government said it would pursue a permanent solution for the Wae Reno system.

Sources

• Floresa — regional news report
• bataviapos.id
• reno.gov