WCs built for destitute residents

BOGOR (JP): At least 719 destitute families in Bogor lack toilets in their dwellings, Bogor health agency chief Aisjah Wan Granie said on Thursday.

"To help ease their problems, the administration is building 599 toilets for them, slated to be completed in December," Aisjah said at the opening of a sanitation improvement program in Genteng village, south of here.

She said the administration would also establish water closet production centers in Genteng and Curug village, west of Bogor.

"We've provided each small-scale industry with Rp 2.5 million investment. In return, they have to produce 200 water closets, which will be distributed to poor residents," Aisjah said.

Bogor mayor R. Iswara Natanegara said it was important for people to maintain hygienic practices in their neighborhood.

"Based on 1997 data, Bogor has the highest life expectancy rate, with an average of 76 years. While the infant mortality rate is far lower than any other cities in West Java with 34 deaths per 1,000 infants," Iswara said.

"We have to keep up the good rates." (24/edt)