Astra's water pump

Astra's water pump

From Republika

The Sunter Agung district in North Jakarta, comprising 18 sub- districts (RWs) has been fighting against floods for these past five years, not only in the rainy season, but every time there is high tide. The North Jakarta area is estimated to be at 70 cms below sea level by 2000.

Five years ago the regional administration received aid in the form of a water pump from PT Astra for the purpose of pumping flood water in the Sunter Agung area. The administration through its contractor installed the water pump worth billions of rupiah, but the pump did not function.

The regional administration needs to give its attention to the fact that the existing water pump does not well enough to solve the problem. Conditions are also getting worse in the vicinity of the Setneg Blok A complex. The construction of a flood gate on the Sunter river has not been completed though the work has been in progress for over one year. Which side is to blame? The regional administration that remains coy, the subdistrict (kelurahan) that is indifferent or the undisciplined contractor? Is the community to remain patient and resigned? But patience does have its limits.

Those in authority, do not ignore the trust given to you. Do not wait for bigger disasters. Your help then will come too late.

EDDY YOEN

North Jakarta