Govt plans to rebuild damaged dam

JAKARTA (JP): The government intends to reconstruct the Menangan dam in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, and resettle more than 2,500 families living along the Karamumus riverbank in a bid to prevent future floods and loss of life.

Minister of Public Works Ramadi Bambang Sumadhijo said yesterday the government would need at least Rp 150 billion to resettle residents, repair the dam and normalize the flow of Karamumus River.

At least four people died and more than 70,000 residents were forced to evacuate after the Menangan dam in Lempaka village, 20 kilometers north of Samarinda, burst last week following heavy rains.

Samarinda, with a total area of 7,000 hectares, is home to more than 450,000 people.

"We must do it to reduce the suffering of Samarinda residents by repairing all public utilities, including the drainage system of the town," Ramadi said after meeting with President B.J. Habibie at Bina Graha presidential office.

During the meeting, Ramadi was accompanied by Minister of Social Services Justika Sjarifudin Baharsjah and East Kalimantan Governor Suwarna Abdul Fatah.

"Last year we suffered from forest fires and a long drought caused by El Nio and now we are suffering from impact from La Nina," Suwarna said.

Justika said her office had sent 100 tons of rice and a Rp 100 million cash donation to help city residents. (prb)