Down the Drain No More

(5/15/2004)

The massive installation of new drainage systems throughout Kuta has uncovered another problem in the course of the project work: Many hotels and business in Kuta have been found to be running their sewage pipes directly into the city's drainage system.

On Monday, May 10, 2004, a ranking representative of the Badung Regional Government vowed to get tough, blocking off the drains of offending companies. Pressured by local civic action groups and supported by Badung's Bupati, local officials are saying they will not hesitate to seal drainage pipes from businesses and hotels found connected to the public drainage system.

According to the official, at least 7 hotels were among the companies in Kuta found to be violating waste handling regulations and discharging their sewage into the drainage system.

The rebuilding of Kuta's drainage system is being partially funded by the World Bank who have allocated Rp. 27 billion (approximately US$3.2 million) to the project.