Floods

Floods

From Neraca

Extensive areas of Jakarta were flooded between Jan. 6 and 8,
1996. The floods carried not only murky water into houses,
offices, schools, and houses of worship, but a lot of dirt and
animal carcasses as well. Widespread diarrhea is a predictable
consequence of floods.

While some people think floods are pre-ordained disasters, I
think that efforts can be made to reduce their impact. Some
effort can be seen in the construction of dikes, the removal of
inhabitants from the riverbank and the installation of water
pumps. But why then are there still floods?

The DKI city administration should work harder to come to
grips with the capital city's floods. The solution is not to
extend help to the population affected, but it is how to contain
the recurrence of this catastrophe in future.

There are 13 rivers in Jakarta with sources in the Puncak and
Bogor areas. Housing development in those areas has been booming
these past few years, thus reducing the natural catchment areas.
Therefore, the Bogor regional administration should also help in
seeking solutions to overcome Jakarta's flood problems by
applying harsher sanctions to housing developers in the hilly
Puncak area.

DIAN ANWAR

Jakarta