Major infrastructure upgrade goes ahead

After a lengthy tender process, the Regional Government was pleased to confirm that in September this year it had awarded the new road contract to a specialist firm.

By the beginning of November construction of the final 8km of hotmix road to the OBR Nature Reservation was under way.

This is a major milestone for the communities along the new road and  for Ocean Blue Resorts 155 Hectare mainland site. As part of the larger tourism development masterplan for the region, the government with financial support from Ocean Blue Resorts Indonesia, will complete the road within the next few months.

Along with improved road access, the national power company (PLN) is also working to complete the final 8km of electricity cabling.

The PLN team Installing the concrete posts is further advanced that the road construction team and currently only  4km from the entrance to our land.

New reservoir is completed

With thanks to the NTB Public Works Department, construction of the new reservoir below the village has been completed.

All we need now is the rain!  Along with new the 4m deep well that has been bored, the reservoir will provide non potable water for the community. 

With the serious water shortages this season and late arrival of the rains, the reservoir will be a vital lifeline in the future. 

New school nears completion

It has been a busy few months at the new village. Finally we are pleased to report that the new school is close to being completed.

The school has six class rooms and one teacher / admin room. Bright and spacious, the new classrooms are ready to be fitted out.

Currently the mosque doubles as a class room for the younger children. While the new teaching staff will help school age pupils, OBRI hopes to create additional classes to help the adult population to learn English.  

As there is no national curriculum to support our education plans, we will soon announce the start of a new book donation programme for English/Bahasah classes.

As always the kids we happy to show us round and pose for other photo. 

Before and After Relocation

We take drinking water for granted. On Sunut Island there was one old well that only provided a small amount of brown water. So this had to be boiled before it could be used. Then in about 2010 the well dried up. 

As an island community, the basics of life were never available. Forget washing, when you need water to cook with.  

During the construction of the new village, we built two vast water storage tanks at each end of the village. One is pictured here. These are connected by underground pipes to each home to supply fresh water. Its not perfect yet as we still need to refill the tanks by lorry. We hope in the not too distant future we will get the mains water pipeline finished.

Before and After Relocation

With no other option, the families had to use makeshift toilets outside their huts. Essentially, a few old sheets propped up with sticks to surround a bucket. With no water supply and no waste management system, sanitation and hygiene were major issues.

When we planned the relocation, proper toilets were to be a necessary addition to every home. Together with the new water supply and professional waste management system, every new home has a large toilet and shower area. Not to mention privacy!

Before and After relocation

Let there be light. Clean and free. The solar energy farm built on the hill side has been completed. Thanks to everyone involved in supplying every home at Sunut Baru with free green energy. We also lite up the streets and public building.

Before the relocation some of the families used kerosene lamps. Fire safety was an issue with the dry wooden homes, putting people and property in danger.

Green power works for everyone and is at the heart of Ocean Blue Resorts business ethos. To be genuinely environmental sensitive. And for the villagers, it simple means that they do not have to worry about monthly electricity bills. 

Before and After relocation

Spot the difference! Trick question as the picture is the same before and after relocation. The community chose the location on the mainland to build the new village so that they could continue to fish the same water and live exactly the same traditional life style.

So while not on Sunut today, they continue to enjoy the same fishing rights. Ocean Blue Resorts, as a responsible foreign investment company puts the community first.

Before and After relocation

Did families loose out when they were relocated 1km to the mainland site they chose? One NGO would say they were not compensated well enough!!

Before and after relocation

Living below the poverty line in Indonesia. A private foreign company steps in and helps.

before and after relocation

From very basic housing with leaky roof to modern 3 room homes. All 109 families were given (for free) a detached house with private garden and we are currently processing the land title for every family. On Sunut the families had no legal title over the land / hut so this give them security for the future. 

Relocation. Relocation. Relocation.

Have the living standards of the community improved since relocating?

Has the community access to the same fishing area?

Are there better opportunities for the community now they live on the mainland?

Take a look at the following pictures and you decide.