Shrinking water

Shrinking water absorption areas

From Koran Tempo

Floods in the rainy season are not only caused by downpours. The presence of large buildings like malls, shopping centers and housing complexes on areas reserved for water absorption also contribute greatly to floods, particularly in Jakarta.

The maximum utilization of land in Jakarta, unfortunately, serves commercial purposes for optimal profits, as long as investors can afford to pay high prices for the land they think has the potential for profit.

Consequently, the floodwaters will spill over onto main roads, population settlements and public recreation places, while rivers overflow their banks. The water, of course, will not be flooding all parts of the luxury buildings now covering the catchment areas.

The government's effort at making Jakarta on a par with major cities in the world should be supported, but its development should take account of its natural conditions too. As a coastal, delta city, catchment areas are very important to maintain, along with other flood prevention measures.

HERTIANA DWI PUTRI Jakarta