Yogyakartaquake

Refugees Hit by Diseases
Monday, 05 June, 2006 | 18:32 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Yogyakarta: Refugees from the Yogyakarta and Central Java earthquakes are now having to face new problems.

The worst of these is due to the lack of good sanitation and wastage systems, and this has resulted in the spreading of diseases.

Based on the records of the Indonesian Red Cross, Bantul branch, 93 citizens of Kretek are suffering from diarrhea and acute breathing tract infections.

These are people who have been unable to find accommodation for themselves in tents or shelters.

According to Agus Yulianto, coordinator of the Indonesian Red Cross Health Command Post in Bantul, there is human waste everywhere because of there being so few WCs.

Residents of Gesikan,Gantiwarno, Klaten, have been forced to build emergency toilets by digging holes around their ruined homes.

The bad sanitation has made Klaten resident demand that the government keep its promise by providing adequate washing, bathing and toilet facilities.

“Up to now, this promise has not been kept,” said Darmono, a resident of Kembang Sore, Wedi, Klaten.

According to Imam Purwadi, Deputy Chairman of the Disaster Relief Coordinating Unit for Klaten Regency, sanitation facilities will be provided when the rehabilitation and reconstruction of homes begins.

When will this be?

“Shortly,” replied Imam.

The minimal clean water supply has also created another problem with refugees being forced to dig wells amongst the ruins of their homes.

In Segoroyoso, Plered, Bantul, two wells are being used by about 200 people while the remainder are forced to use the Opak River, approximately 150 meters from the refugee camp, for sanitation purposes.

Ari Aji, Imron Rosyid and Amal Ihsan