"That is because geographically, the land surface condition in Jakarta is the same as that in the Netherlands, since both are below the sea level. So, we will follow the experience and example of the Netherlands," governor Basuki Tjahaha Purnama saidJakarta (ANTARA News) - Jakarta will follow the example of the Netherlands in overcoming flood problems, governor Basuki Tjahaha Purnama said here on Wednesday.
"That is because geographically, the land surface condition in Jakarta is the same as that in the Netherlands, since both are below the sea level. So, we will follow the experience and example of the Netherlands," he stated.
Just as in the case of the Netherlands, a sea wall must be built to protect the land. He disclosed that a Type A wall will be built under the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development Master Plan.
"The wall will be different from the Giant Sea Wall that was being envisaged so far. The Giant Sea Wall is a bigger project for the next ten years," he pointed out.
He stressed that the Pluit Dam area in North Jakarta has been saved from the floods that used to be caused by high tide. It is now considered safe since it is protected by an embankment.
"Now the Pluit Dam area is safe. If no high embankment had been built around it, sea water could have flooded the city anytime at high tide," he observed.
He cautioned that the same could happen in case of Pasar Ikan, Penjaringan, North Jakarta and, therefore, the city government would build an embankment there.
"Actually, Pasar Ikan is also facing a threat because the sea water that enters cannot be pumped out back into the sea. An embankment has to be built there. We will do it this year but before that, we will relocate people living in the area," he concluded.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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