Callistasia Anggun Wijaya

Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama lambasted his own subordinates over the non-functioning water pumps and poor water gate management that led to flooding across Jakarta recently.

Ahok visited the water gates located at Gunung Sahari in Central Jakarta and Pademangan in North Jakarta on Friday. The two areas had experienced severe flooding after a bout of heavy rain on Thursday.

During the visit, Ahok discovered that water had inundated the Gunung Sahari area as a consequence of non-functioning water pumps at the pump house in Ancol, Central Jakarta, according to the report from North Jakarta mayor Rustam Effendi.

Ahok slammed Rustam for his negligence as he had reportedly allowed the water pumps to be turned off.

During heavy rain, water flowing in the Central Jakarta area should be directed to West Jakarta and end up at the Pluit Dam in North Jakarta. However, due to the non-functioning water pumps, the water had been directed to pass through Gunung Sahari and Ancol.

"The pumps must be activated properly so floods can be anticipated," Ahok said on Friday at the City Hall.

The city administration plan to install further sheet pile in rivers across Jakarta as part of its flood mitigation program. Ahok also plans to instigate further action to curb illegal settlements along river banks.

Bidara Cina in East Jakarta has been listed as a priority area as it is often inundated during the rainy season.

The city administration will carry out evictions once there are sufficient low-cost apartments available to accommodate the evictees. (rin)

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