Flood menace<\/p>\n
The Jakarta administration's efforts to control flooding
\ndeserve our appreciation. The \"river normalization\" program,
\ncosting Rp 53 billion, and the Rp 77 billion set aside for the
\nmaintenance of sluices, may be cited as some of the major
\nprojects being undertaken to improve the flood control system.
\nAnd these projects do not include the East Flood Canal, scheduled
\nto be completed in seven years time.<\/p>\n
Despite these projects, though, no one would be foolhardy
\nenough to say that they will be sufficient to prevent flooding in
\nthe capital city as Jakarta, which covers an area of about 64,000
\nhectares, is located on a low-lying plain dissected by 13 rivers.
\nTherefore, anxiety about possible flooding will continue in the
\ncommunity, especially among those people living in areas that are
\nvulnerable to flooding, even if officials confidently claim that
\nJakarta is prepared to face the rainy season.<\/p>\n
One official, for example, issued a press statement to the
\neffect that this readiness is proved by the 40,874 personnel whom
\nhe claims will be ready for action should the flood waters rise
\nonce again, as they most assuredly will. The official also said
\nthat 244 dump trucks, 256 rubber dinghies, 162 tents and 242
\ncommunal kitchens would be available to assist those affected by
\nthe flooding. \"Four helicopters, 94 water tank trucks, 210 tons
\nof rice and 4,000 boxes of instant noodles will also be
\navailable,\" the official in question said proudly.<\/p>\n
But having experienced some of the worst floods ever in the
\ncity recently, many Jakartans view such statements as little more
\nthan empty words or propaganda. Common sense, after all, gives
\nrise to the question: How can the city administration guarantee
\nthat all of these 40,874 personnel will actually be on call to
\nhelp people in need in case of flooding? And do all of these
\n40,874 personnel live in flood-free areas so that they will be
\nable to act quickly whenever an emergency arises?<\/p>\n
When a flood of biblical proportions crippled the city for
\ndays early last year, it was private organizations and
\nindividuals who did the most to help their fellow residents whose
\nhomes were inundated. The role played by the military was
\nsignificant, as it should be, but that played by the city
\nadministration was far from satisfactory.<\/p>\n
Will all four helicopters be ready to help those whose houses
\nare inundated? What must people do to get effective assistance?
\nIt would seem that the procedures for getting a helicopter in the
\nair to help flood victims are somewhat complicated. The Army, the
\nPolice, the Air Force and the Navy each have their own
\nbureaucratic systems and standard procedures for providing
\nhelicopters in such situations.<\/p>\n
And about the dump trucks: Will the 244 vehicles be ready to
\ntransport people and their belongings to safety during the
\nfloods, when even the day-to-day business of transporting the
\ncity's garbage appears to be beyond the wit of the
\nadministration?<\/p>\n
It is not our intention of sewing skepticism among the public,
\nbut rather to try to encourage people to think in more realistic
\nways. Flooding cannot be dealt with by issuing political
\nstatements while failing to provide the infrastructural support
\nnecessary to ensure that the flood control system really works.<\/p>\n
While not belittling the administration's efforts, we
\nnevertheless are sorry to say that what has been done is not
\nenough. Every time it rains, we can see how many areas of the
\ncity are inundated. This clearly indicates that the
\ninfrastructural problems still persist -- something compounded by
\nthe fact that watercourses and drains are normally clogged by
\nvast reefs of garbage.<\/p>\n
It is obvious that the city administration has yet to succeed
\nin applying a thorough flood control program. As is the case with
\nland transportation, the administration has failed to develop a
\ncomprehensive and integrated plan to control flooding. Such a
\nplan should begin with the smallest unit of society: the family.<\/p>\n
Educating families in their neighborhoods on the importance of
\ntreating garbage properly is vital. In this way people can gain
\nan awareness of the importance of not littering or dumping
\ngarbage into watercourses. Given this, there is no other option
\nfor minimizing flooding in Jakarta than to improve cooperation
\nbetween City Hall and city residents.<\/p>\n
The residents must abandon their habit of dumping garbage into
\ndrains, canals and waterways, and the administration must improve
\nits sensitivity and make flood control projects, including the
\ninfrastructural support systems, such as an adequate garbage
\ndisposal system for the city, its top priority. By so doing the
\nadministration will be able to prioritize how to spend the
\nlimited funds at its disposal in a more beneficial manner. Real
\naction must be planned and taken as the floods cannot be dealt
\nwith by statements and promises alone.<\/p>\n
3<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/flood-menace-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }