Bandung Barat irrigation channels clogged with rubbish causing foul odours and squalor

The Leuwi Kuya irrigation channel in Kampung Sukaguna RT 04/07, Mekarjaya Village, Cihampelas Subdistrict, West Bandung Regency (KBB), West Java, is clogged with rubbish, causing disrupted water flow and foul odours reported by residents. According to gathered information, rubbish has accumulated in the irrigation channel over the past month. Most of the debris is not from the immediate surroundings but carried downstream from upstream areas such as Cihampelas, Cipatik, and Soreang. The blockages risk causing flooding during heavy rainfall. “The rubbish has been piling up for about a month. During heavy rain, debris from upstream is carried by the current and gets stuck here,” said Arim (55), a local resident, on Saturday (30/2026). He explained that the narrow and shallow condition of the irrigation channel is the main reason for rubbish accumulation. In addition to silt deposits, several sections have narrowed, resulting in suboptimal water flow. Arim revealed that the government had previously repaired the upstream section, but the downstream area remains untreated, causing debris carried by the current to accumulate there. “The upstream section has been fixed, but not here. As a result, the rubbish doesn’t flow downstream and instead gets trapped and piles up,” he added.