"The Lausimeme Dam has a function as a flood control system in Medan City," the ministry's Director General of Water Resources, Bob Arthur Lombogia, remarked here on Wednesday.
He remarked that with the dam, water entering through Deli and Sikambing rivers can be controlled, as it can be used to regulate the water discharge entering Medan.
Meanwhile, Lombogia said his side also operates the Deli-Percut floodway to regulate the water discharge of the two rivers. This year, the ministry is also building the Sikambing River-Belawan floodway.
"The water discharge of the Deli River to Percut will be reduced through the Percut floodway. Therefore, flooding in some areas in Medan City can soon be resolved," Lombogia remarked.
He explained that the Lausimeme Dam system can handle at least 40 percent of the inundated areas in Medan.
Furthermore, the dam can irrigate the river downstream area, with a coverage capacity of three thousand hectares of agricultural land.
"In principle, this dam provides benefits. We hope that the Lausimeme Dam can be maintained because the age of a dam depends on the condition of the area and river flow," Lombogia stated.
Hence, his side called on the regional government to maintain the dam that is expected to last for 50 years.
Earlier, President Joko Widodo inaugurated the Lausimeme Dam, making it the 47th dam he launched during his 10 years of administration.
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Translator: Nasution, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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