City denies report on tap water prices

JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has denied a report that it plans to increase tap water prices in November.

An assistant to the city secretary, Prawoto Danoemihardjo, said yesterday there is no such plan and there is no report from city-owned water company PAM Jaya on the matter.

"To the best of my knowledge there is no such plan and the negotiation with private investors has not yet touched on tap water fees," Prawoto said.

He added that he will ask PAM Jaya about it and urged the public to remain calm.

Prawoto said the city administration will make sure it retains the right to set tap water fees.

"This will enable us to set an affordable water price," he said.

PAM Jaya also projected that after cooperation with private investors the price of tap water will be only be raised once, in 1997.

It is projected that from 1997 to 2000 the price will not be raised.

Antara news agency reported that new tap water prices would be determined in November when the cooperation between PAM Jaya and two private investors starts. (yns)