Yotefa Strait affected

Yotefa Strait affected

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The development of a commercial center
in the Entrop district has adversely affected the waters of the
Yotefa Strait.

In addition to the pollution, mangrove trees and 12 hectares
of sago plantations belonging to the local people have been cut
down to make way for the development. The neighboring forests,
intended for tourism, have been illegally felled.

Tobati village head Gaspers Itaar told Antara yesterday that
the polluted waters have created skin infections among the local
people.

Gaspers said Irian Jaya's provincial administration built the
commercial center with an investment of Rp 5 billion (US$2.08
million) to relocate family businesses from the Ampera area of
Jayapura.

However, waste and sediment from the commercial center have
reduced the depth of the Yotefa Strait, making it difficult for
local people from the villages of Tobati, Enjros and Nafri,to
catch the seafood they need, he said.

The fish, shrimps, crabs and sea snails of the strait are the
both the livelihood and diet of the local people.

Jayapura mayor Raden Roemantyo was unavailable for comment.
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