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)