Tapioca plant in pollution hot water

BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: A tapioca factory has paid Rp 7 million compensation to local residents who charged it with environmental pollution and disrupting their livelihood in Central Lampung.

The decision followed two demonstrations by hundreds of fishery workers in the community who demanded Rp 10 million in compensation.

Accompanied by local authorities, residents reached an agreement with the plant owner, Sutrisno, at the village hall of Sanggah Buana in Seputih Bank regency, Antara reported Friday.

The plant near the Way Seputih River was accused of polluting the environment when the plant's waste container overflowed during rain. Fishermen said they protested after noticing the scarcity of fish in the past two months.

Company management staff admitted waste tank could not hold the rain spillover. "However, our waste water tank has met standards," a deputy said. (anr)