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)