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Heavy congestion in Kemang attributed to sidewalk revamp
“The road was narrow to begin with. With the sidewalk renovation, congestion has become worse ,” said Ahmad, 40, a parking attendant at a fast food joint on Jl. Kemang Raya.
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Workers are seen working on the revitalization of sidewalks in Kemang, South Jakarta, on July 10. (Tempo/M Taufan Rengganis)
S
idewalk revitalization on Jl. Kemang Raya in South Jakarta in the past week has caused heavy traffic congestion in the business district.
The revamp is still in the demolition stage as the old sidewalks are removed on Jl. Kemang Selatan VIII through to the intersection on Jl. Benda.
The sidewalk is being demolished on both sides of the road.
“The road was narrow to begin with. With the sidewalk renovation, congestion has become worse,” said Ahmad, 40, a parking attendant at a fast food joint on Jl. Kemang Raya as quoted by tempo.co over the weekend.
Vehicles passing by Jl. Kemang Raya were forced to wait for one another as the road can only accommodate one lane.
Dudi, 30, a construction worker, said he and his coworkers were told to work swiftly in day and night shifts. “Demolition had already been decided by our higher-ups. We just follow the orders.”
After demolition, the sidewalks will be flattened and then cast with cement.
One of the project’s foremen refused to reveal the details on the latest developments of the revitalization. “Please refer to the head office. We’re just doing what we’re told to do.”
Bina Marga road agency head Hari Nugroho brushed off allegations that the new sidewalks were built with permanent concrete foundations.
Hari, however, didn’t offer details on the new sidewalks’ design plan.
He underlined the fact that the revitalization strictly adhered to the grand design that was planned from the beginning.
Hari also mentioned that the new sidewalks would be wider and pedestrian-friendly.
“The revamped sidewalks will look exactly like the design in the master plan.” (bry)
