Foul-Smelling Sewage Water Floods Street in West Jakarta

Jakarta - Foul-smelling black sewage water has overflowed and inundated an area on Jalan Satu Maret, Pegadungan, Kalideres, West Jakarta, on Monday.

The sewage water, which was dark black in colour and emitted a pungent odour, formed a small pool approximately 2 by 3 metres along the roadside. The contaminated water had spilled over the edge of the road, creating muddy conditions across the pavement. The side of the road showed visible damage from water seepage. A project barrier board remained in place at the site, blocking one lane, marked with text reading “Water pipeline service improvement project underway” and the PAM Jaya call centre number.

Dodi, 64, a minimarket parking attendant near the location, attributed the black sewage flooding to the pipe excavation project. “It’s been going on for over two weeks, since before the fasting month began. The sewage has been backing up. After the pipes were dug up, they became blocked and won’t drain. That’s when the black water started,” he explained.

The black water has not only damaged the road but also created a foul odour that significantly disrupts the activities of local residents and businesses in the surrounding area. “The smell is terrible. It causes congestion too. People find it difficult to pass through because of the traffic. Customers get confused about coming to the shop and end up not wanting to visit,” Dodi complained.

He noted that the sewage odour from directly in front of his location often permeates into the minimarket. “Customers inside the shop suffer too. When people step in the sewage water from outside, the smell gets tracked inside,” he said.

Beyond causing discomfort, the water pooling over the damaged road also poses a safety threat to motorists, particularly at night. Dodi reported that at least one accident has already occurred due to the road conditions.