The Bali provincial administration is facing opposition from the Buleleng regional office over the construction of water wells in the bordering villages of Buleleng and Bangli regencies.
The water resource project was constructed to distribute fresh water to several villages including Tejakula and Madenan in Buleleng regency as well as Baong Kambing village in Sukawana, Bangli regency.
The provincial government through its public works office constructed water reservoirs at Sukawana village with funds from the central government's state budget.
However, Tejakula villagers rejected the project asking Buleleng regent to cancel the project.
Tejakula's village chiefs have lodged protests, which are supported by Buleleng regent Putu Bagiada.
"I did not reject the construction of the water reservoir project," confirmed the regent while visiting Buleleng harbor's renovation project.
However, a report said that Bagiada issued a letter canceling the water reservoir project in July 2009.
"We just need to closely coordinate with related agencies as the project is located in a border area," Bagiada said while rushing to his car.
The letter was addressed to Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika and said the project needed to be cancelled out of consideration for the Tejakula villagers.
"The water resources belong to Tejakula village and have a high historical values," said village chief Made Ardana. The Bali governor has not yet responded to the letter.
Nevertheless, Tejakula residents said they knew the project was still continuing despite their strong opposition.
Buleleng Public Work office's head Nyoman Gede Suryawan, however, explained that he would coordinate with the provincial administration regarding the water project.
"Public awareness about the project only occurred in Bangli regency.
Perhaps, we should intensify the public awareness program by closely coordinating with related offices," Suryawan said.
JP/Alit Kertarahardja
