"Yes, this year, we will immediately realize it. In accordance with the order of the district head, development will be conducted at several locations that are prone to drought," Head of Water Resources Management at the Bekasi District Public Works and Public Housing Office Nur Chaidir remarked on Saturday.
Of the six locations where artificial lakes will be constructed, four are located in Cibarusah Sub-district, while the remaining two will be built in Bojongmangu District.
"These two sub-districts were chosen, as they experience drought every year," he noted.
Chaidir explained that the artificial lakes to be built will store rainwater to be used during the dry season for irrigation purposes.
"Artificial lakes are, in fact, specially built to hold water to irrigate rice fields since many fields are drying up due to the drought," he explained.
In the meantime, to meet the requirement of clean water for households in drought-prone areas, the authority in Bekasi will also build drill wells at 120 locations.
"Budget for the construction of artificial lakes and bore wells is sourced from the Bekasi District Regional Budget 2019, with a total budget ceiling of Rp20 billion," he remarked.
Before drilling, his party had first conducted geo-electric engineering research, as construction of bore wells could not be done haphazardly.
"Hence, not all places can be suitable to build the wells. This is since we have to check the availability of groundwater first. Can it be built or not, so that the construction will not go in vain or cannot be used due to the absence of a water source," he elaborated.
Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure against drought to ensure the availability of groundwater, the presence of drill wells can be supported by district-owned clean water operator PDAM Tirta Bhagasasi, as currently, the regional company is building a pipeline to Cibarusah and Bojongmangu.
The pipeline being installed is believed to help overcome the clean water crisis for residents, particularly for meeting the daily needs by building public hydrants.
"Later, they will ready a pipeline, and we will ready hydrants. This is the plan," Chaidir added.
Related news: PUPR Ministry inspects availability of clean water in regions
Related news: Home Affairs Ministry synchronizes efforts to tackle water crisis
Related news: Dry spell leaves Indonesia's 100 districts, cities parched: ministry
Translator: Pradita/Eliswan Azly
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
