Water company's property attacked

Water company's property attacked

Tangerang, West Java (JP): Hundreds of Poris Pelawad
subdistrict residents vandalized and burned down a shed belonging
to local water company PDAM in protest of the company building a
well.

Local resident Aji, 22, said the incident occurred at about 10
a.m. and was triggered by fear that the PDAM well would deplete
residents' water supply.

He said Poris Pelawad residents were joined by Puri Dewata
Indah housing complex residents in the vandalism. The people also
allegedly stole equipment like pipes and monkey wrenches
abandoned by three guards working for the company.

According to Aji, PDAM previously planned to establish a well
in Banjar Wijaya housing complex, "but the effort was foiled by
the complex's residents".

Spokesman of the Tangerang administration Said Endrowiyanto
said he was concerned about the incident.

"We can discuss any problems, can't we? But instead they
vandalize the place," he said.(41/ind)