Water need adds to Aceh troubles

LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh: North Aceh's problems are worsened with a lack of clean water mainly in the districts of Banda Sakti and Muara Dua.

The regional water company, PDAM Tirta Mon Pase, will soon be unable to supply clean water. Its director, Djakfar Ali, told The Jakarta Post on Monday that it was facing bankruptcy due to debts of Rp 95 million to the regional bank BPD and other parties.

Djakfar said it was difficult for the firm to pay Rp 9 million per month in electricity costs while payments from the public did not exceed Rp 10 million to Rp 15 million per month. (46)