Residents complain over waste water

TANGERANG (JP): Serpong and Cilenggang villagers in the Serpong district here have complained once again over contaminated waste allegedly dumped by local tap water company PDAM Tangerang into Jalatereng River.

The river passes through the two villages and is used daily by residents for bathing, washing clothes and for use in fish ponds.

According to the residents, the administration-owned company never attempts to listen to strong calls from the people, who have suffered skin diseases and material losses, such as the death of their fish, due to the heavily polluted river water.

Speaking on behalf of the protesting residents, Umar C. said during a rally on Monday that unprocessed waste was regularly dumped by PDAM Tangerang from one of its water installations in the nearby Cisadane area.

Hundreds of fish have been found dead in the ponds, which were believed to be contaminated by muddy waste water from the drinking water company, he said.

"Many fish farmers have gone bankrupt due to this liquid waste," Umar said.

"The residents have suggested repeatedly that the company extend its waste pooling installation unit so that it won't spread into the nearby environment. But they never listen to the demand," the senior resident said.

"I myself often get itchy skin after having a bath in the river. Before the company's water installation started dumping the liquid waste here the river water was so clear," Umar said.

Hasan, another resident, shared Umar's view.

"All this time, the PDAM officials only came here to take some pictures of the bridge over Jalatereng River. But no firm action has been taken to solve the matter," Hasan said.

Ironically, PDAM Tangerang and its partner PT Tirta Cisadane were awarded recently a ISO 9002 certificate.

According to PDAM Tangerang director Dadan Hendra Sambas, the certificate achieved by the company was based on research of water management and its environmental impact.

Dadan, however, admitted that his company has been dumping waste into Jalatereng River.

"We will be responsible for this matter by providing 100 percent compensation to residents who file complaints," Dadan said.

So far, he admitted, the PDAM Tangerang office has spent millions of rupiah in compensation claims filed by residents, including fish pond owners.

Dadan did not mention the exact amount of compensation.

His words have been denied by the villagers, who said that they never received compensation.

Hasan insisted: "None of the residents here have ever received such reimbursement." (41/edt)