Cement crisis in E. Timor

DILI, East Timor: Residents from 13 regencies in East Timor are condemning the lack of government supervision that has lead to a sharp increase in cement prices.

Residents in the capital city of Dili say that the price of cement, Rp 9,000 a sack last month, has increased to between Rp 11,500 and Rp 13,000.

In Manatuto, 63 kilometers east of Dili, residents say they are paying between Rp 12,000 and Rp 13,000.

Similar complaints have been heard in Baucau and Los Palos as well.

Alex Sumampouw, a cement distributor in the province, said the government should do something before the hikes ignite further social problems. (yac)