Water quality poor in Bekasi

JAKARTA (JP): Residents of Bumi Bekasi Baru housing complex in Bekasi, West Java, are complaining about the poor quality and limited availability of water ever since the distribution has been managed by the Bekasi chapter of the water company (PDAM).

They said the water is not only inadequate but also smelly and milky in color. The poor service has forced many residents to buy drinking water daily at a cost of Rp 600 (US$0.27) per 20 liters.

PDAM took over the management from state-owned housing company Perumnas last month and since the takeover the firm has increased the price of water from Rp 300 to Rp 400 per cubic meter. (yns)