Flood Mitigation Measures in Residential Area Strengthened
Property developer Puri Harmoni 8 in Parung Panjang, Bogor Regency, says it will continue taking mitigation steps against flood potential in the area, particularly during extreme weather and periods of heavy rainfall.
Spokesperson for Vista Land Group, Erlan, said the environmental management system, including drainage, has been a focus since the early development stage of the Puri Harmoni 8 area and the Puri Harmoni 8 Extension.
According to him, the drainage system in the area was constructed in accordance with applicable technical standards and regulations. Erlan also noted that the project had obtained permits from the Bogor Regency Public Works Department (Dinas PUPR) since 2019.
“From the early stages of construction, we have always prioritised environmental aspects, particularly in drainage management and flood mitigation. This is a key part of developing a sustainable housing estate,” Erlan said in Parung Panjang, Bogor Regency, West Java, on Wednesday 20 May.
Erlan explained that public and social facilities in the Puri Harmoni 8 area have been handed over to the regional government in two phases, namely on 22 April 2019 and 29 June 2022. After the handover, oversight of the area, including supporting infrastructure and flood response, fell under local government supervision.
“After the handover, the area is under the supervision of the local government, including flood management and other supporting infrastructure,” he said.
Erlan said that increasingly extreme weather means area managers must step up measures against ponding and flooding. The flood risk, he said, can be influenced by heavy rainfall, river overflow, and surface runoff from upstream areas.
As part of mitigation efforts, Vista Land is constructing a retaining wall or flood barrier along the Cimanceuri River which passes through the Puri Harmoni 8 and Puri Harmoni 8 Extension areas.
The barrier runs about 450 metres and reaches a height of up to seven metres above the river bed. The infrastructure is also equipped with flood gates which residents can operate to help regulate water flow during the wet season.
“Construction of this barrier is one of our long-term investments to protect the housing area from flood risk caused by river overflow,” Erlan said.
In addition to the barrier, the developer has prepared large and small pumping stations to assist in pumping out water when ponding occurs in the residential area.
In emergencies, the developer coordinates with the local government on the ground. This coordination includes the distribution of logistical aid, establishment of emergency kitchens, and the formation of an emergency operations post for affected residents.
Erlan says flood management cannot be undertaken by a single party. He said flood mitigation requires cooperation between developers, local government, residents, and other stakeholders.
“We believe flood management must be done collectively. Therefore we continue to coordinate with the local government and also invite residents to actively help protect the environment,” he said.
Vista Land, he added, also carries out periodic assessments of the drainage system in the housing project. The assessments include normalising drainage channels and monitoring points prone to ponding.
The developer also encourages residents’ associations to maintain environmental cleanliness and not to dispose of rubbish into drainage channels. Erlan said blockages in drainage are one of the factors that can worsen ponding during heavy rainfall.
“We are not just building homes, but building a safe and comfortable living ecosystem for the long term. Flood mitigation is one of our top priorities,” he said.
Erlan emphasised that the ponding that occurred in several parts of the Puri Harmoni 8 area was not routine. He said the ponding occurred due to extreme weather, high rainfall, and the Cimanceuri River overflow.
He noted that runoff from other areas, including from the Katulampa Dam, also contributed to increased water flow in the area.
During heavy rain, water levels rose to around 40 to 100 centimetres. However, Erlan said this was a special occurrence triggered by high rainfall intensity and upstream flows.
Vista Land Group said it would continue to evaluate and improve the drainage system and environmental management to minimise flood risk in the future.
“We will continue with ongoing evaluation and invite residents to help protect the environment. This is an important part of long-term flood mitigation,” Erlan said. (Z-10)