New flood controls for N. Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): Residents in North Jakarta can look forward to an end to the constant flooding in their area thanks to three new flood control projects to begin this week.

But an official in charge of the flood control projects said the projects would not guarantee an end to all flooding.

Siswoko, the head of the Ciliwung Cisadane river improvement project under the Ministry of Public Works, said yesterday the projects to protect Rawa Badak, Pademangan and Jl. Gunung Sahari, were designed to withstand floods caused by the rains of a 25- year weather cycle.

Although constant flooding will cease, floods caused by heavy rain such as in January and February last year will probably continue. At least 30 people died in those floods.

"They were caused by weather conditions that occur every 100 years," Siswoko said.

Earlier Dargono, head of the city's office of the ministry, said the first phase of the East Sunter I and Ancol projects, and the Pekapuran Tidal Gate, also in Ancol, would begin this week.

The East Sunter project is designed to protect 570 hectares of Rawabadak and the Ancol project is to protect 635 hectares in East and West Pademangan.

The tidal gate is expected to check flooding along Jl. Gunung Sahari. Funds for the projects come from the Japanese Overseas Economics Cooperation Funds and the government. (anr)