Parepare in State of Clean Water Emergency

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Residents of Parepare, South Sulawesi complained about the difficulty of getting clean water. Syafri, a customer of state tap-water company PDAM, said it has been 12 days since the water stopped running.

The city's clean water observer Ahmad Rida Ali said that Parepare is in a state of clean water emergency. "No other cities are experiencing anything as severe as Parepare in the availability of clean water," he said last weekend.

Ironically, he said, there has been no explanation from the local government about what is causing the problem.

Kaharuddin Kadir, chairman of Parepare City Council (DPRD), said that the source of clean water from Salo Karajae River—managed by the PDAM—is no longer adequate. Under normal conditions, the river is only able to supply 200 liters or water per second. At the peak of the dry season, it only gives 70-80 liters per second.

"Whereas the people of Parepare need 400 liters per second," he said.

Parepare PDAM acting president director Muhammad Syukri said the main obstacle in providing clean water is the lack of budget. "PDAM's cash s also in a state of emergency because operating cost depends on water sales," he said last week.

SUARDI GATTANG