he Batanghari regency administration in Jambi has disbursed Rp 2.8 billion (US$213,000) it received from the 2017 state budget to develop sanitation systems in seven subdistricts and villages in the regency.
Batanghari Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency head Zulkifli said the project would include a communal septic tank that would be completed next month.
"The ultimate aim of this project is to protect the environment against contamination from the E. coli bacteria from human waste due to open defecation," he said on Monday.
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Zulkifli said many residents of the regency who lived along the Batanghari River did not have access to bathrooms and defecated in the river.
"I hope after this project no more people will defecate in the Batanghari River," he said.
The seven subdistricts and villages are Bulu Kasap, Bajubang and Kembang Paseban villages and Sungai Rengas, Muara Tembesi, Muara Bulian and Jembatan Mas subdistricts. (bbs)
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