Locals say firms polluting canal

BOGOR (JP): About 1,500 residents living along the Cipalayang canal in Kalibata, Bantarjati village, in North Bogor have filed a complaint over industrial waste allegedly dumped by several businesses in the area.

Among the firms are automobile businesses Astra Group, Lembah Tirta, Auto Pit, Omega Motor as well as the Azra Hospital and Trio restaurant.

Waste has contaminated the one-kilometer-long canal, darkening the water and causing a foul odor.

"Residents wanted to take action against the companies but fortunately we were able to calm them down," Abdul Fatah, a local community leader, said on Saturday.

Locals have proposed that business owners cooperate in a Rp 5 million waste-water treatment program.

Residents said they were willing to handle treatment of the waste with financial support from the businesses.

"We've carefully calculated the expenses. But so far only Azra Hospital has responded to the program by contributing Rp 1 million," Abdul said.

"We rejected the rest of the companies which were only willing to pay from Rp 100,000 to Rp 200,000. The amount is not enough to run the program. Remember, we're not asking for charity here."

Residents have given the companies until Thursday to respond to their proposal. "If by then the companies are still refusing to cooperate ... we will not be responsible for resulting actions," Abdul added.

Managers of Auto Pit and Astra said they could afford to pay a maximum of Rp 200,000.

"We have to ask for the main office's approval to provide more funds," said Chairullah from Astra.

The owners of Trio restaurant and Lembah Tirta auto repair shop were not available for comment. Other companies reportedly have yet to decide on the residents' proposal. (24/edt)