Cilacap wells contaminated

Cilacap wells contaminated

CILACAP, Central Java: More than 700 wells which provide clean
water to thousands of people were contaminated after last week's
oil refinery blaze.

The contaminated wells are located in the Lomanis and Donan
subdistricts, both located within a radius of 500 to 1,000 meters
of the Pertamina UP IV refinery, Antara said quoting Cilacap
administration's spokesman Suprihono.

Ash and residue from the fire, mixed with rainwater, have
flowed into the wells, he explained.

The thousands of people evacuated during the fire returned to
their homes this week only to find that they no longer had access
to clean water.

The Cilacap administration, Suprihono said, has sent water
tankers to the two districts. The administration is also
assisting in cleaning the wells, he added. (emb)