Shrinking water absorption areas

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