VIVAnews - Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo said the frequent flood and puddles in the city were not just caused by the incomplete efforts of river dredging and drainage normalization.
“But also because the drainages are stuffed with garbage and mud,” Bowo said as quoted from Jakarta Provincial Government’s official website on Monday, November 16.
Bowo pointed out the puddles that were covering main streets like Jalan Sabang, Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin last week as examples. On Jalan Sabang, the water was up to 30 centimeters high.
Currently, the normalization programs in the three areas are still ongoing. The programs are considered crucial because the streets are located in cavernous areas to where water from everywhere would debouch.
As soon as the drainage is dredged, it is expected to work normally and be able to contain more water.
“Almost two-third of the drainage on the streets has been filled with mud and litters which is resulted in pretty high puddles on rainy seasons,” Bowo said.
The clogged drainage on the streets is caused by the garbage disposed by the people.
The mud sticking on the bottom of the drainage also contributes to the clogging. The Tarakan pump, which has not been able to work, worsens the situation.
Tarakan water pump is currently being rehabilitated and targeted to be completed in December 2009. Following the completion, the pump will be able to keep Monas, Sabang and their surrounding areas from the flood.
In order to overcome the issue, Bowo brought five mayors, one regent and 44 sub district heads together at the city hall last weekend.
The chiefs were discussing on flood anticipation in 90 prominent points and the synergy of flood mitigation actions.
They were also asked to map prioritized flood crucial points in every area to enable accurate actions and fast victim evacuations.
--
Translated by: Nataya Ermanti
