One person protects Rausu's water

One person protects Rausu's water

Rausu is a fishing town located in the far east of Hokkaido. There, unbeknownst to anyone, the waterworks employee was the only one who faced his duties. For eight long years, although there were different departments within the organization, he was practically the only one who supported the lifeblood of the town, the waterworks. Piles of documents, records of inspections, checks of piping. He continued his work without relying on anyone else.

Hokkaido's waterworks business is at an unprecedented turning point. A combination of a declining population and water conservation awareness has resulted in a dwindling water supply revenue. Waterworks facilities built during the period of high economic growth have already become decrepit, and although the need for renewal is being called for, no progress has been made. It is predicted that by fiscal 2038, the cost of renewal will be 15 times the current level. However, there are neither the people nor the mechanisms left in the local regions to support such renewal.

In Rausu, there has been only one person who has had eyes on the water supply system for eight years. It is even a kind of miracle that water has continued to reach the town without any crises while the solitary work continues. Water is taken for granted when it flows. However, we must not forget that there is an unnamed labor behind it.

The quiet record of this town reflects the reality of an infrastructure supported by people, not institutions. Perhaps we should listen carefully to the back of the man who alone protected Rausu's water.