NTB Provincial Government Dredges 11 Km of Drainage Sedimentation on Suela-Sembalun Road

The Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is dredging sedimentation from drainage channels and culverts along the Suela-Sembalun road in East Lombok. The dredging is being carried out to prevent waterlogging when heavy rain hits the tourist area.

Kusnadi, Head of the Lombok Island Road Maintenance Centre at the NTB Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Areas Agency (PUPRPKP), said the work targets an 11.60-kilometre stretch. A total of 16 personnel have been deployed to the site since mid-July 2026.

“The work includes maintenance of the road reserve, channel upkeep, and culvert cleaning. The operation began in mid-July and is planned for completion within this week,” Kusnadi stated on Monday (3/7/2026).

Prior to the repairs, Kusnadi noted, the road shoulders in the area were in a concerning state, overgrown with tall bushes. This frequently endangered motorists by obstructing visibility and creating blind spots.

Moreover, when rain falls, the Suela-Sembalun road is often inundated. This is because the drains and culverts are severely clogged with mud from hillside landslides, soil, and wild weeds.

“Low-hanging tree branches above the road surface have also been trimmed so that passing vehicles are not obstructed,” Kusnadi explained.

Kusnadi is optimistic that the drainage system along the Suela-Sembalun route will function optimally again once the maintenance is complete, eliminating waterlogging that threatens road user safety.

“With this maintenance, we hope there will be no more standing water on the road shoulders because the drainage is clear. This will certainly improve safety and comfort for motorists,” Kusnadi concluded.