Tangerang's poor roads threaten town's future

Tangerang's poor roads threaten town's future

JAKARTA (JP): Roads in many parts of Tangerang, a town 30 km west of the city, have been badly damaged and locals believe the economic prosperity of the town might be affected unless prompt action is taken.

One of the most dilapidated roads is Jl. Gama Raya in Cimone, one of the busiest and crowded streets in the town.

Although there are no factories located along the road, the location of the street is considered strategic, often clogged by thousands of private cars and school buses not to mention motorcycles and becak (three-wheeled pedicabs) going to and fro.

The Jakarta Post constantly monitors the situation and often sees becak drivers or motorcyclists fall from their vehicles due to stones left scattered in the middle of the road and big potholes. This is exacerbated when it rains hard, totally flooding the whole road and causing prolonged traffic jams.

Roads located around shopping centers are no exception, especially Jl. Raya Mauk, in front of the Sepatan market and near a police precinct.

"Even when it is just drizzling, the road is completely wet and muddy forcing traffic to come to a standstill," an Isuzu minibus driver told The Post.

He called on the local administration to address the problem immediately and remedy the situation by repairing the road. "Otherwise these nagging traffic problems might adversely affect the economic growth of the town."

Another badly damaged road which needs immediate repairing is Jl.Imam Bonjol stretching from City Hall to the Karawaci toll gate. (18/bas)