Padang City Allocates Rp110 Billion for Drainage Improvements to Prevent Flooding

Padang City, West Sumatra has allocated Rp110 billion for drainage and irrigation improvements as a preventive measure against future flooding. “Padang City has received a returned intergovernmental transfer of Rp371 billion, of which Rp110 billion is specifically allocated for drainage and irrigation repairs,” said Deputy Mayor Maigus Nasir in Padang on Saturday. Maigus stated flood management remains one of the city’s biggest challenges. Despite ongoing efforts, flooding issues in certain areas remain unresolved. Key flood-prone areas include those affected by hydro-meteorological disasters at the end of 2025, as well as densely populated zones such as Gajah Mada Street in Gunung Pangilun Village, the government district in Aie Pacah Village, and Dadok Tunggul Hitam Village. Maria Doeni Isa, Head of the Regional Infrastructure and Settlement Planning Agency (BPBPK) of West Sumatra, noted five districts in Padang are included in the agency’s planned interventions this year. These areas cover Nanggalo District (Gurun Laweh and Tabing Banda Gadang Villages), Pauh District (Lambung Bukik and Cupak Tangah Villages), and Rawang Village. Under its mandate, BPBPK focuses on neighbourhood drainage systems rather than urban drainage. However, these neighbourhood systems will be designed to integrate seamlessly with the city’s drainage network and rivers as primary outlets. BPBPK’s initial surveys indicate that standing water is largely caused by the absence of neighbourhood drainage or blocked channels due to buildings and community activities. An example of innovative flood management is in Tabing Banda Gadang, where a central road drainage system using box culvert technology will be implemented. This approach aims to prevent residents from blocking channels or using them for street vending, while ensuring easier maintenance and optimal functionality. To implement the integrated project across the five areas, an estimated Rp440 billion is required, contingent on resolved land ownership status and no conflicts. Work scope includes not only drainage improvements but also neighbourhood road repairs, pavements, street lighting, drainage outlets to rivers, and playgrounds. “The project planning is scheduled to commence in 2026, with construction expected to take place over multiple years from 2027 to 2028,” he said.