DPR Member Visited by Village Heads in Takalar to Discuss Damaged Roads and Suspension Bridges
Infrastructure issues remain the primary grievance for rural communities in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. Several village heads and sub-district heads directly conveyed these aspirations during a meeting with DPR RI Commission V member Hamka B Kady at his residence in Panakkukang Sub-district, Makassar.
The meeting took place in a warm and familial atmosphere. The group came from North Polongbangkeng, East Polongbangkeng, and South Polongbangkeng sub-districts, arriving at different times.
Also present at the meeting were the Camat of North Polongbangkeng, the Camat of East Polongbangkeng, the Head of the Public Works and Public Housing Department of Takalar Regency, and the Head of Road Infrastructure Development at Takalar’s Public Works Department.
For the village heads, this meeting was an important opportunity to directly address the real problems faced by the community, particularly regarding infrastructure conditions deemed increasingly concerning.
Several village roads were reported to be severely damaged. The age of the roads and the high intensity of vehicles transporting agricultural produce were the main causes of the damage.
“If it rains, the roads become muddy and slippery. Residents have difficulty transporting their harvest out of the village. There are even some points that are almost impassable,” stated one of the village heads during the meeting, quoted on Saturday, 9 May 2026.
The damaged road conditions directly impact residents’ economic activities. The distribution of agricultural produce is hindered, transportation costs increase, and community mobility is disrupted, especially during the rainy season.
In addition to roads, the need for building suspension bridges has become a serious concern. In several areas, residents still rely on makeshift access to cross rivers.
When water flow increases, residents must travel longer distances to access educational facilities, healthcare services, or traditional markets.
On the other hand, the village heads also expressed concerns about the reduction in village funds, reportedly around 64 per cent this year.
They stated that the remaining budget is only about Rp200 million, forcing many development programmes to be postponed.
“Many programmes are delayed because the village budget capacity is very limited. Meanwhile, community needs continue to increase,” said one of the village heads.
In response, Hamka stated that he understands the conditions faced by rural communities in Takalar. He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for aspirations related to road and bridge development.