Drought hits Madura villages

SUMENEP, East Java: At least nine villages in eight districts in Sumenep on Madura Island are beginning to feel the bite of water shortages this dry season.

Sumenep government spokesman, Ruslan, said yesterday that the local state-run water enterprise had begun supplying drinking water to the stricken villages, which are located on hillsides, for their daily consumption.

The company operates four water wagons, each with a capacity of 4,000 liters, daily, Antara reported. (05)