Merangin regional secretary Sibawaihi said on Thursday that during the dry season, residents in the three villages used to make use of water from Batang Masumai River for their daily needs, including for drinking water. However, he said, they could no longer use the river water as it had been polluted with materials from illegal mining in the regency.

'During the dry season, Batang Masumai residents cannot use water from the river anymore as it has been affected by pollutants [from the illegal mining activities]. Even the river's tributaries cannot be used anymore,' said Sibawaihi.

Currently, he said, residents of the three villages depended only on one small river, which was a tributary of Batang Masumai River in Batang Nibung area, to fulfill their need for clean drinking water. There were long lines to get water.

Separately, Jambi Police chief Brig. Gen Bambang Sudarisman said the police were committed to eradicating illegal mining in areas across Jambi, especially in Merangin and Sarolangun regencies.

'We cannot let it continue to happen as it causes environmental damage,' he said. (ebf)(+++)

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