Locals nearby Galuga dump urge relocation to safer place

At least 77 families living in Kampong Lamping, Cibungbulang, nearby Galuga dump in Bogor have demanded that the regental administration relocate them, citing the health and safety risks associated with living in the area.

"Many residents have suffered skin conditions, including itchy skin. Others complain of the putrid smell the garbage emits," said Sainan, 50.

Sainan whose house is but meters away from the dump, complained of rashes all over his body.

He said both his daughters, Tiara, 10 and Titin, 30, also had rashes. Moreover, flies and mosquitoes were a major problem for residents.

"We fear that other kinds of diseases will affect us if the administration doesn't act immediately," he said.

Other residents voiced concerns over the possibility of a landslide, such as the one in 2001 that destroyed their rice farms.

"We demand immediate relocation since the garbage has mounted up so that it reaches our backyards. The air we breath and the water in our wells have been contaminated by the waste," another resident said.

Meanwhile, Galuga village head Maman Suparman Basdaris confirmed the worsening conditions at the dump.

"Residents no longer feel they want to stay here. The garbage is strewn about their yards. It has even contaminated the water that residents use for bathing and cooking."

Maman did not mention measures his office had introduced to tackle the problem. -- Antara