Govt plans to rebuild damaged dam

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)