City poised to face impending floods

JAKARTA (JP): The dredging of Jakarta's rivers is in full swing as the capital prepares for its annual floods.

"Most of the dredging work will be completed by the end of this month, while the remainder is scheduled to be finished in the first week of December at the latest," Siswoko, head of the Ciliwung-Cisadane rivers development project told Antara Wednesday.

He said the rivers being dredged included Ciliwung, Cisadane, Kali Angke and Muara Ancol.

He hoped the dredging would minimize the flood danger when heavy rains started.

Another measure being taken by to combat flooding is to optimize the use of Jakarta dams, including the Grogol dam, by increasing their rainwater capacity.

"Since last month we have also intensified the regular flood picketing system throughout the city," Siswoko said.

He attached great importance to the need to step up public awareness of flood danger by setting up flood control posts.

He said the city administration was striving to fully utilize large water drainage pumps.

Siswoko said Jakarta had 100 flood prone areas.

"Most of these areas are located near riverbanks," he said, citing areas along the Ciliwung and Cipinang rivers.

He said such areas flooded easily.

"Considering the high vulnerability of such areas to flooding, the city administration must pay more serious attention to the areas with regards to controlling floods," Siswoko said. (bas)