'Surabaya garbage a serious problem'

'Surabaya garbage a serious problem'

SURABAYA, East Java: Minister of Environment Nabiel Makarim
said the accumulating garbage in the city was a serious problem
that had to be resolved immediately.

"The accumulation of garbage in temporary dump sites in the
city could be a serious disaster to residents unless the problem
is solved immediately," the visiting minister said here on
Friday.

He called on the city administration to make a peaceful and
fair negotiation with residents in Keputih and Benowo so the
garbage could be dumped in the subdistricts.

He admitted to having received many reports from residents
concerning the garbage "and that is why we ask the city
administration to seek a comprehensive solution to the garbage
problem".

Nabiel said he hoped the problems could be solved in the next
two weeks so that residents could enjoy the Idhul Fitri holidays.

The minister, accompanied by Governor Imam Utomo, Deputy
Surabaya Mayor Bambang and the chairman of the Surabaya
legislative council, held talks with residents of the Keputih
subdistrict to hear their complaints on the garbage dump in the
area. --Antara