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