Tune Hotel in Kuta, Bali Blamed for Contamination of Local Well Water with Fuel Oil.

NusaBali and Bali Post carry report of complaints from local residents near Jalan Ciung Wanara in Kuta regarding the pollution of the local water supply by the newly opened Tune Hotel. Residents say that their well water is no longer useable and causes skin irritation due to contamination with oil and diesel fuel, blaming the diesel fuel storage system of the hotel which is located only a short distance from the villages well source.

Visits by village official in Kuta have confirmed the strong smell of petroleum products in the local water supply who have taken the emergency remedial step of sinking a new well. Officials are also seeking clarification from the management of Tune Hotels as to whether or not they are the source of the well's contamination. The Chief of Kuta village, Gede Suparta, told Bali Post: "We tried to ask an explanation from the 'T' Hotel. But we have been unable to meet with the hotel's management." Suparta's residence is located just 20 meters from the hotel.

The Hotel's Management is reportedly steadfast in its refusal to discuss the matter with Kuta Village officials or the press. Several weeks ago similar complaints to the hotel only yielded a written response that the hotel held all the necessary environmental impact permits and licenses.

If the hotel continues to refuse to meet local leaders, officials say another formal summons will be issued. The Head of the Kuta Community Association (LPM), Nyoman Graha Wicaksono, told the press he was very disappointed with the attitude of the management of the hotel, warning that the hotel's continuing refusal to address the pollution problem could result in the public closing the access roads to the hotel and even forcing its eventual closure.

Local citizens are also suggesting that if the source of contamination can be definitely linked to the hotel they will seek compensation from the hotel for the destruction of their local water source. News from balidiscovery.com

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