'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