PAM Jaya told to cut leakage

Governor Surjadi Soedirdja ordered the City Water Company (PAM Jaya) to make serious and concerted efforts to reduce the unduly high percentage of water leakage in the distribution system.

Speaking at the congress of the Indonesian Association of Water Contractors (Akaindo) over the weekend, Surjadi that with the current level of 46 percent leakage it is impossible for the company to expand its service areas.

At present the company is only able to provide water for 60 percent of residents living in its service area, or less than half of the city's population of 8.5 million.

"I want to see PAM Jaya's combined production capacity increased to 17,400 liters per second from the current 12,235 liter within three years time," Surjadi said.

Surjadi also warned the congress participants over the environmental impact of uncontrolled exploitation of ground water, such as the sinking of the land surface in some areas in the city due to the intrusion of sea water. (09)