God willing, the collaboration for (the implementation of) the catchment area management with the operation of the dam will reduce (the number of regions) affected by flooding in the downstream areas.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Sadawarna Dam is expected to control one-third of the flow of Cipunagara River and mitigate the risk of flooding in downstream areas of the river, an official stated.

Director General of Water Resources of the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry Jarot Widyoko stated on Tuesday that the facility could control one-third flow of the river since it was located some 43 kilometers from the upstream of Cipunagara River.

"Meanwhile, the total length of Cipunagara River is 147 kilometers. Thus, Sadawarna Dam is approximately (located on) one-third of the Cipunagara River basin. God willing, it (the river flow) can be controlled," he stated at the inauguration of the dam in Sumedang District, West Java Province.

The PUPR Ministry's official remarked that the dam has a capacity of some 70 million cubic meters, while the length and height of the dam are about 933 meters and 40 meters, respectively.

However, he stressed that establishment of Sadawarna Dam might not completely eradicate the risk of flooding in regions where the Cipunagara River flows.

Nonetheless, Widyoko said that the dam can serve to retain 65 percent of the river’s water discharge, which indirectly reduces about 25 percent of the river flow in the downstream area in Pamanukan Sub-district, Subang District, West Java Province.

Widyoko expressed optimism that the government and community in the regions crossed by Cipunagara River -- the districts of Subang, Sumedang, and Indramayu -- will help in mitigating the flooding risk by making biopores, infiltration wells, or ponds.

"God willing, the collaboration for (the implementation of) the catchment area management with the operation of the dam will reduce (the number of regions) affected by flooding in the downstream areas," he remarked.

The construction of Sadawarna Dam began in 2018, with Rp2.65 trillion being spent. It is estimated to be able to irrigate 4,200 hectares of rice fields.

It was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), along with Governor of West Java Ridwan Kamil and Head of Sumedang District Donny Ahmad Munir on Tuesday.

A farmer from Subang District, Asroni, lauded the establishment of Sadawarna Dam that could facilitate irrigation in his area.

"Actually, it (the water from the dam) is not just for rice fields. It is also useful for fisheries as well. The water will also be channeled by our P3A (Association of Water User Farmers) to be used for the fishery sector as well," he stated.

Related news: President inaugurates Sadawarna Dam in Subang
Related news: President Jokowi inaugurates Ciawi, Sukamahi dams in West Java
Related news: Semantok dam can help mitigate flooding risk in E Java: Governor

Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2022