House to endorse water bill in April

JAKARTA: The government and House of Representative have agreed in principle to endorse a bill on water resources by April 2003. The bill is meant to ensure the availability of clean water for all citizens.

The bill, which the House began deliberating last month, stipulates the basic right of all people to have access to clean water and obliges the government to protect its water resources.

"With the law the government will be able to put in place a comprehensive water resource conservation plan for the betterment of the people's welfare," Minister of Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno said over the weekend.

Legislator Sumaryoto predicted the deliberation of the bill would proceed without a hitch because there were no conflicting political interests between the parties in the House over the issue. --Antara.