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. (01)