C. Java water crisis deepens

TEMANGGUNG, Central Java: The ongoing severe drought is forcing people in two subdistricts here to walk three kilometers each day to obtain water.

They have to go that distance to Manggut and Kalimundu villages, which still have water. When they get there they have to stand in line for up to six hours to get their ration.

"This is exhausting and some of us are too tired to work afterwards," one villager complained.

Temanggung Regent Sardjono expressed surprise that the problem was continuing. He said that he had ordered tank trucks to deliver water to the areas facing water crises.

Sardjono suspected that some village chiefs may simply be too embarrassed to ask for assistance because that could look bad on their records.

"Anyone asking for help will definitely get it," the regent promised. (wah/emb)