RRI.CO.ID, South Aceh - Farmers in the Kluet Raya region can breathe easier after the South Aceh Regency Administration, Aceh, completed the normalization of the Gunung Pudung irrigation channel in North Kluet Subdistrict. This project restores the water supply to approximately 1,700 hectares of productive rice fields that had been threatened by drought.

The project, carried out using heavy equipment from the South Aceh Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), involved large-scale dredging and clearing of thick silt and sand deposits that had accumulated along the channel. Those deposits had severely disrupted water flow to the surrounding farmland.

South Aceh Regent, Mirwan MS, confirmed the completion of the work on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, framing it as a concrete step toward securing the region's food supply.

"The concrete step taken is the acceleration of the normalization of the Gunung Pudung irrigation channel in North Kluet Subdistrict. The normalization of the irrigation channel has now been completed and is capable of irrigating 1,700 hectares of community rice fields," he said, as quoted by Antara.

The intervention came in direct response to mounting complaints from farmers who had reported worsening water shortages threatening their harvests. Prior to the normalization, heavy sediment buildup had choked the channel, cutting off reliable irrigation to the Kluet Raya area and putting agricultural productivity at serious risk.

Mirwan emphasized that the move reflects the local administration’s broader commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and achieving regional food security.

"With the thorough dredging and sediment clearing that has been carried out, water flow is now back to normal and can optimally irrigate residents' rice fields," he added.

Head of Emergency and Logistics at South Aceh BPBD, Ruspiadi, confirmed that the normalization work had been fully completed by the end of the day, with water flowing freely once again.

"Thank God, on the orders of the Regent, sediment clearing at the Gunung Pudung irrigation channel has been completed this afternoon using heavy equipment," said Ruspiadi.

Beyond the immediate relief, Ruspiadi expressed hope that the restored channel would translate into long-term gains for local farmers and the wider community economy. He also called on residents to take an active role in maintaining the cleanliness and sustainability of the irrigation infrastructure going forward.

"Smooth water supply is capable of increasing rice harvest productivity while maintaining the continuity of community agricultural activities. This step is in line with the South Aceh Regency Administration’s commitment to supporting the national food security program," said Ruspiadi.

He stressed that the channel must continue to serve as a pillar of farmer welfare and the economic life of the Kluet Raya community for years to come. ***