'We only use tap water only to wash car, water plants'

'We only use tap water only to wash car, water plants'

City tap water operator PD PAM Jaya has proposed an increase of
tap water rates by 30 percent. The operator says that 17 percent
of the hike is to pay its debts to two foreign partners and the
remaining 13 percent is to cover inflation and two international
firms' operational costs. The Jakarta Post talked to some
residents on the issue.

Burhan, 60, is an employee with a private company in Palmerah,
Central Jakarta. He lives in Cipinang Muara, East Jakarta:

The financial loss suffered by water operators is not caused
by the low water rate but by inefficiency. Residents in my
neighborhood have reported pipe leakage to the operator, but its
been several weeks now and the pipes have not been repaired.

The water quality is also poor. My family use tap water only
for washing the car and watering flowers.

For drinking and cooking, we use ground water because the
quality is far better than tap water.

Diah, 31, is a staff member of a U.S.-based non-governmental
organization in Menteng, Central Jakarta. She lives in Cempaka
Putih with her husband:

The water rate hike isn't too threatening because I can still
afford my current water bill, which is only Rp 15,000 (US$1.76)
per month. A 30-percent increase means I will pay Rp 20,000. This
is tolerable.

But my family is more concerned about the poor quality of the
water. Also, I imagine, all customers in the city have suffered
from poor service, frequent disruption and the disorganized
billing system.

The bills are always late, thus we pay more than we should,
because we also have to pay the fines.

Sarwini, 30, is an employee of a private company. She lives in
Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, with her husband and her baby:

The water rate keeps on increasing without the company
notifying us. I paid just Rp 75,000 (US$9) per month in 2000,
this increased to Rp 125,000 in 2002 although there was no
significant increase in our water usage.

Now, the monthly bill ranges between Rp 150,000 and Rp
200,000.

But I haven't seen any improvement in service. I have to
install a water pump so we can use the shower and a water
container to ensure we have access to water at all times.

I don't think a 30 percent increase is worth it. Maybe I
should dig a well. The price is still going up while the service
remains poor.

-- The Jakarta Post