Bondowoso supplies water to villages

SURABAYA, East Java: Bondowoso regency announced it has already distributed four million cubic meters of water to six villages worst hit by this year's prolonged drought.

Bondowoso regent, Agus Sarosa, was quoted by Antara as saying that the administration would continue to supply water until rain falls on the six villages in the subdistricts of Cerme, Kelabang and Wringin.

The six villages are inhabited by about 18,000 people.

The regent said water reservoirs have been built in the villages and every week water would be supplied to them.

"We hope this shortage will end by the end of the year. Rain has already begun to fall in Bondowoso and surrounding areas -- though still light," he said.

Agus maintained that there was an ample food supply for the regency adding that the administration would be quick to report any shortages.

"There are some villagers who are eating cassava. It's not because they lack rice but it's simply their habit to mix cassava with rice," Agus remarked. (aan)