Denpasar to develop water catchment site

The Denpasar mayoralty office has planned to develop a retarding basin to catch rainwater at Padang sambian in West Denpasar.

Made Sutama from Denpasar Public Works Office, explained the office conducted a comprehensive feasibility study to determine the proper site for the 15-hectare basin.

"We are now preparing a master plan for the construction of the basin, which will function as a water-catchment site for the growing city of Denpasar," Sutama said.

Such a system has already been applied in several cities on Java Island.

"This basin is similar to a water dam that catches excessive rainwater during the wet season. The system has been very effective in preventing areas from flooding," Utama said.

The planned basin will be built on the cross-river area connecting Tukad Mati and Pangkung Muding rivers on the border of Badung regency and Denpasar mayoralty.

Denpasar and Badung regencies are vulnerable to flooding because they lack open space and water catchment sites.

The construction of concrete buildings and tourist-related facilities has also changed the soil structure of Badung and Denpasar regencies.

During rainy season, Denpasar is inundated with water.

Poor drainage systems have deteriorated the flood-prone areas in both places, especially many tourist sites in Kuta and its surrounding areas.

"The locations of the two rivers cross the borders of Badung and Denpasar," he said.

Sutama explained the 15-hectare basin that was 3-meter deep was expected to absorb excessive water flowing from the two rivers during rainy seasons between December and March.

The retarding basin will also function as a water source during drought season.

"The water in the basin will be used for irrigation for the agricultural sector, fishing ponds and water-based activities," Sutama added.

Ketut Winarta, chief of Bali Office of Public Works, added that the construction of the basin would be jointly funded by provincial and regional administrations.