This is important, because with the zoning of lakes and its borders, the water level could be determined ..."
Denpasar (ANTARA News) - The Directorate General of Water Resources of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing has allocated Rp187.5 billion to finance seven lake rehabilitation projects in 2016.

"In 2016, we have allocated Rp187.5 billion for the restoration of seven lakes, namely Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Lake Tempe in South Sulawesi, Lake Maninjau in West Sumatra, Lake Rawapening in Central Java, Lake Tondano in North Sulawesi, Lake Limboto in Gorontalo, and Lake Singkarak in West Sumatra," Lolly Martina Martief, the operation, maintenance affairs director of the Directorate General of Natural Resources of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, said here on Wednesday.

He said that the restoration works covered the dredging of lake sediment, the construction of lake dikes and lake zoning.

"This is important, because with the zoning of lakes and its borders, the water level could be determined and a spillway could be installed to adjust the height of the water level," he said.

Lolly said that the rehabilitation of the seven lakes will continue in 2017 with an additional fund allocation of Rp330 billion. The restoration of the seven priority lakes is one of the initiatives carried out by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing for the management of lakes in the country.

Lakes or reservoirs have many functions. Locals earn a living by cultivating fish and use the water for their daily needs. These also provide hydro power, and are tourist destinations for locals and foreign visitors.

However, these functions are being threatened due to the degradation of the reservoirs surrounding environment.

In order to ensure that reservoirs fulfill all their functions, the commitment of everyone, including the regional government and the people, is needed.

Since 2009, an agreement reached by nine ministers has been in force to develop and manage sustainable reservoirs.(Uu.A014/INE/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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