Govt to build flood control system in southern Java
Govt to build flood control system in southern Java
JAKARTA (JP): The government is planning to build a flood
control system at the southern part of Java in an effort to deal
with related natural disasters in the area, an official said on
Wednesday.
"This long-term project will be implemented through drainage
construction at eight major rivers in Central Java which flow to
the southern coast of Java," Director General for Village
Development at the Ministry of Settlement and Regional
Infrastructure Soenarno told media after a meeting on clean river
program.
"From Yogyakarta to Cilacap, there are eight rivers blocked by
sand due to strong ocean currents and waves at the south coast of
Java," he said.
"Therefore, the ministry is planning to build open drainage
systems to avoid possible sand deposits due to continuous ocean
waves in rivers of Uluk Ulo, Bogowonto, Cokroyasa, Ijo, Telomoyo,
Tipar, Serayu and Wawar."
The project, which is slated to be completed in 2004, is
estimated to cost around Rp 300 billion (US$32.6 million). A part
of the project's expenditures will be financed through the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) loan.
"This year the (drainage) development priority is at Wawar
river in Gombong, Central Java. Hopefully the construction in
Gombong will be completed next year," Soenarno said.
He said Central Java is still prone to floods and landslides
since many of the province's rivers are not properly managed with
adequate supporting construction such as dam or drainage system.
"In such conditions, if the area experiences torrential rains,
floods will be unavoidable," he said.
Central Java is home to 128 streams, which need drainage
construction of at least 8,000 kilometers, he explained.
"So far there is only 4,067 kilometers of drainage
construction, some 165 kilometers of which are in critical
condition.
"This could cause a massive flood, especially in southern
coastal area, from Yogyakarta to Cilacap regency," the official
said.
"Therefore, we call on all people and related authorities to
be alert to this condition especially with the recent landslides.
We should have an early warning system," he added.
As for the flood control system in Purbalingga, Central Java,
Soenarno said that Klawing river, which is a branch of Bogowonto,
will also be included in the project.
"Klawing river -- which is long and full of curves -- has
potential to damage the existing infrastructure, including dam
and bridges. Therefore it should go into the program, too,"
Soenarno said.
Flood and landslides in regencies of Purworejo and Cilacap
have claimed at least 78 people in the past couple of weeks.
Most of the incidents were blamed on widespread environmental
destruction which resulted from continuous and rampant illegal
cutting in tropical forest in Cilacap area, as well as
sedimentation due to massive household and industrial activities
which affected its rivers. (edt)