Tapioca plant in pollution hot water

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)