Residents complain over waste water<\/p>\n
TANGERANG (JP): Serpong and Cilenggang villagers in the
\nSerpong district here have complained once again over
\ncontaminated waste allegedly dumped by local tap water company
\nPDAM Tangerang into Jalatereng River.<\/p>\n
The river passes through the two villages and is used daily by
\nresidents for bathing, washing clothes and for use in fish ponds.<\/p>\n
According to the residents, the administration-owned company
\nnever attempts to listen to strong calls from the people, who
\nhave suffered skin diseases and material losses, such as the
\ndeath of their fish, due to the heavily polluted river water.<\/p>\n
Speaking on behalf of the protesting residents, Umar C. said
\nduring a rally on Monday that unprocessed waste was regularly
\ndumped by PDAM Tangerang from one of its water installations in
\nthe nearby Cisadane area.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of fish have been found dead in the ponds, which were
\nbelieved to be contaminated by muddy waste water from the
\ndrinking water company, he said.<\/p>\n
"Many fish farmers have gone bankrupt due to this liquid
\nwaste," Umar said.<\/p>\n
"The residents have suggested repeatedly that the company
\nextend its waste pooling installation unit so that it won't
\nspread into the nearby environment. But they never listen to the
\ndemand," the senior resident said.<\/p>\n
"I myself often get itchy skin after having a bath in the
\nriver. Before the company's water installation started dumping
\nthe liquid waste here the river water was so clear," Umar said.<\/p>\n
Hasan, another resident, shared Umar's view.<\/p>\n
"All this time, the PDAM officials only came here to take some
\npictures of the bridge over Jalatereng River. But no firm action
\nhas been taken to solve the matter," Hasan said.<\/p>\n
Ironically, PDAM Tangerang and its partner PT Tirta Cisadane
\nwere awarded recently a ISO 9002 certificate.<\/p>\n
According to PDAM Tangerang director Dadan Hendra Sambas, the
\ncertificate achieved by the company was based on research of
\nwater management and its environmental impact.<\/p>\n
Dadan, however, admitted that his company has been dumping
\nwaste into Jalatereng River.<\/p>\n
"We will be responsible for this matter by providing 100
\npercent compensation to residents who file complaints," Dadan
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
So far, he admitted, the PDAM Tangerang office has spent
\nmillions of rupiah in compensation claims filed by residents,
\nincluding fish pond owners.<\/p>\n
Dadan did not mention the exact amount of compensation.<\/p>\n
His words have been denied by the villagers, who said that
\nthey never received compensation.<\/p>\n
Hasan insisted: "None of the residents here have ever received
\nsuch reimbursement." (41\/edt)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/residents-complain-over-waste-water-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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