Flush with Success

(8/7/2011)

The provincial government of Bali has affirmed that they will not hesitate to revoke the operating licenses of hotels and restaurants failing to properly dispose of their waste and sewerage.

This warning was issued after a field survey by the government,  including hundreds of hotel and restaurants in Bali, uncovered a great number of businesses failing to maximize their waste management efforts.

Quoted by Beritabali.com, the head of the Environmental Agency for Bali (BLH), Anak Agung Alit Sastrawan, said on Friday, August 5, 2011, that his office would issue warnings to guilty companies that, if ignored, would result in legal steps, including closure.

“We will continue to monitor and supervise. For those who continue to break the law we will take steps in accordance with the law. That’s the procedure,” said Sastrawan.

From his observations in the field, Sastrawan said the main factors contributing to the failure of companies to adequately address waste management issues are the age and condition of equipment, and the management skills of those charged with managing the process at the respective companies.

Kompas.com reports that a survey of beaches in Bali by the BLH found that 13 beaches were contaminated, blaming hotels and restaurants as the major culprits in the pollution of the island’s waters.