Bogor housing projects threaten water supply

Bogor housing projects threaten water supply

BOGOR (JP): Housing construction in Bogor has grown
uncontrollably and could affect the supply of groundwater to
Jakarta if preventive measures are not taken.

Istiqlal, an executive at the Land and Agroclimate Research
Center, told Antara on Wednesday that it is time for the Bogor
city administration to start controlling the development of the
housing complexes and golf courses in the area.

He said the rapid growth in construction has severely damaged
a number of water catchment areas in the Sentul and Hambalang
districts.

"Trees badly needed to help hold rainwater in the water
catchment areas were felled to make way for thousands of houses
and other buildings," he said.

Istiqlal underlined the need to control the issuance of
building permits in the two districts to help maintain the water
catchment areas.

"If the problems are not solved Jakartans will face drinking
water shortages in the near future," he warned.

Istiqlal also called for the removal of buildings illegally
constructed along river banks which are eroding and damaging
water catchments.

The groundwater level in the city has fallen steadily,
accelerating the intrusion of sea water. Moreover, groundwater is
contaminated in a number of areas.

The causes of contamination include human feces, detergent and
sea water, Istiqlal said. (hhr)