Plaza Semanggi to worsen traffic jams: Observer
Plaza Semanggi to worsen traffic jams: Observer
M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Despite assurances from the developer of Plaza Semanggi that the
upmarket mall would not worsen already severe traffic congestion,
a transportation observer says otherwise.
Ahmad Syafrudin of the Environmental Task Force said Wednesday
that the shopping mall would draw more taxis, public minivans and
buses and private vehicles.
He blasted the city administration for issuing a permit for a
development that would cause extensive traffic chaos.
"With the opening of the plaza, there will probably be
stricter measures to ensure a smooth flow of traffic around it,
but over time it will loosen and public transportation vehicles
will wreak their usual havoc," he told The Jakarta Post.
He also said that given the difficulty with entering the mall
on Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto, patrons would most likely prefer
alighting in front of the gate.
"This means there will be more people gathering in the already
crowded slow lane," he said.
However, despite concerns of worsening traffic congestion, the
developer plans to open the mall in November, vowing it would not
add to the area's traffic woes.
Mall developer PT Primadana Nusa Indah director Veri Y.
Setiady said on Wednesday that a new traffic management policy
involving the deployment of hundreds of traffic police and city
transportation agency officials to direct the flow of traffic
inside and around the mall had been designed.
He said it was ready to open a new road that would carry
traffic coming from Kuningan and Menteng. "There are problems
opening the road but we are ready the build one," he told the
Post.
Veri went further, saying the mall would ease congestion along
Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Gatot Subroto.
"During the rush hours, motorists tired of the traffic can
change direction and go to the plaza to refresh themselves in the
cafes and entertainment centers inside."
He said the plaza had 1,900 carparks.
Plaza Semanggi, which is built around the Sarbini building on
the corner of Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Gatot Subroto, will have a
cultural and art center in the Sarbini building.
Just like other malls, it will also have restaurants,
boutiques, entertainment centers, electronic stores and health
and beauty shops.
Reports said that 92 percent of the 400 units were already
rented. Each unit cost between Rp 300,000 (US$35.3) and Rp
500,000 per square meter per month.
Prior to construction of the mall, areas around the Sarbini
building were a place for street vendors and a temporary terminal
for illegally operating public minivans.
The developer reiterated it would clear the area and give
space inside the mall to all street vendors.