Depok cuts down 138 trees for road widening

Depok administration announced Monday that 138 trees along Jl. Margonda had been cutdown to provide an extra six meters of width for the city's 26-meter-wide main thoroughfare.

Depok Mayor Nur Mahmudi Isma'il said Monday that the administration had felled the trees as they blocked the widening project. However, Nur insisted that the administration would plant replacement trees after the widening project was completed in December.

“We are trying to improve the quality of the road. The revamping will reduce congestion,” he said, adding that the new road would have eight lanes. Nur also said that the road would be equipped with other facilities like a sidewalk and drainage.

According to Nur the works will cost Rp 12 billion (US$1.26 million) from the local budget for the 1.25-kilometer project. (cor/lfr)