Plaza Semanggi opening worsen traffic congestion
Plaza Semanggi opening worsen traffic congestion
P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The soft opening of Plaza Semanggi on Wednesday raised concern
over exacerbation of already severe traffic jams and the
management's commitment to addressing the problem.
Non-governmental organizations are expressing concern over the
traffic problem. "The mall will no doubt worsen the already
severe traffic jams," said Indah Suksmaningsih, chairwoman of the
Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI).
She said the management had already shown indifference from
the inception of the project by not creating opportunities for
public input.
"In another country, such as America, the city administration
would announce the development to the public and accommodate its
opinions before any new mall or hypermarket were built," said
Indah.
She added that such a step would enable the public to be more
prepared and aware of the possibility of worsening traffic
congestion.
In response to the concerns coming from non-governmental
organizations, a director of mall developer PT Primadana Nusa
Indah, Very Y. Setiady, said, "They should spend some time here
and check it out for themselves -- whether their worries have
become a reality or not."
Very said that the management had sought professional
assistance from PT Pamintori Cipta -- traffic consultant for the
Granadha Business Center -- to prevent the traffic congestion
from getting worse.
Also, the management -- in cooperation with the 911 emergency
assistance service of the city police -- had mobilized about 120
security guards in three shifts. The security guards would
directly control traffic flow in the surrounding area.
Very said that the main cause of severe traffic jams was
vendors who took up road space. He gave an assurance that the
problem had been addressed, "because we have relocated the
vendors to the second floor of the building."
The Rp 400 billion (US$ 47,1 million) project, Plaza Semanggi,
will be fully operational next February.