C. Java factories polluting rivers

C. Java factories polluting rivers

DEMAK, Central Java: Two rivers in Demak regency are heavily
polluted by industrial waste dumped by factories in nearby Kudus
regency and the city of Semarang.

PT Pusaka Raya Kudus, a big paper factory in Kudus, has dumped
waste into Wulan River, while Babon River is being polluted by
the waste from another factory in the Genuk Industrial Estate.

The local people can no longer use the water, which has turned
reddish, to wash and cook.

Demak's city spokesman, Harini Trisnadi, said the authorities
did not oblige all factories to install waste treatment units
because they would not be able to afford it.

He added that the municipal administration is considering
installing a centralized waste treatment unit funded collectively
by companies in the Genuk Industrial Estate. (har/sim)