- VIVAnews/Nurcholis Anhari Lubis
VIVAnews - Three rivers across Sukabumi city, West Java, was found contaminated with Escherichia Coli (E Coli) bacteria.
"Based on the results of the study the polluted rivers are Cimerenceng, Cipelang leutik and Cikapek rivers. Currently the three rivers are under special observation," said Sukabumi City Head of Environment Office Rudi Djuarsyah on Thursday.
He explained that the pollution was caused by the disposal of household waste, especially urine and feces. Many people residing around the rivers still do not have private bathrooms, and the public bathing-washing-toilet (MCK) facilities that should have been located in each village on the riverbanks are not well distributed. This condition is worsened by the poor public awareness.
The current long dry season can also worsen the condition. The water debit is decreasing while sewage and garbage piled up here and there. From these piles the growth of bacteria and other viruses will be faster.
As is known, E Coli had alarmed the world last June. The bacteria endemic hit Europe, infecting thousands and killing dozens of others. The deadly bacteria that attacked central European countries are a new strain named Enterohaemorrhagic E Coli (EHEC). These bacteria can cause a fatal disease called Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS).
Meanwhile, A Solihin, environmentalists from Paksi Foundation added, the condition of the rivers in Sukabumi city is worse compared to last year. A lot of environmental programs have been stalled for various reasons.
"The clean water program has not been certain over the year, the MCK-making program is uneven and not in accordance with the needs. The construction of trash dumping, especially for communities along the river banks has not been realized," said Solihin.
He went on saying that environmental programs should be continuous, as it is a matter of raising awareness. However, so far the environmental programs have only been done as a formality before they disappear.
Sukabumi Environmental Office’s data has it that there are 27 rivers that traverse the city, eight of which have started being polluted. Eighth rivers have Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level, or the microorganisms’ biological oxygen needs for breaking down waste material in water; Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), or chemical oxygen needs for oxidation of waste material in the water and nitrite that nearly touches the limit.
Translated by Indah Lestari
Akhirnya Letkol Danu Resmi Jadi Komandan Pasukan Tengkorak Kostrad TNI Gantikan Raja Aibon Kogila
Serah terima baru saja dilaksanakan di lapangan Sadelor.
