Chemical waste pollutes Pangabuan River

JAMBI: The collapse of a waste reservoir owned by PT Citra Koperasi Indo Tani (CKIT) has reportedly polluted Pengabuan River in Mauaro Papalik district, West Tanjungjabung regency, killing the fish bred in the river by locals.

West Tanjungjabung Environmental Impact Analysis Agency head Mardi Barus confirmed the pollution, and said a follow-up would be decided once his office had completed a field survey.

"The company has also admitted the pollution," he said, adding a meeting between the local community and the company had been facilitated by the regency administration to deal with the problem.

The company, he added, had agreed to pay compensation for the fish killed because of the pollution. It also agreed to build clean-water facilities for the affected communities.

CKIT public relations official Kimpun confirmed the agreements, adding the pollution was accidental and was due to a flood.

"We are responsible for the incident and will have a rehabilitation done on it," he said. -JP