"We will deal with them one by one. First, the MRT, then the Monorail, and then we will discuss about the deep tunnel," Jokowi said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has stated that he will implement development projects in the city one by one, starting from Mass Rapid Transportation (MRT), followed by Monorail, and then finally the deep tunnel.
"We will deal with them one by one. First, the MRT, then the Monorail, and then we will discuss about the deep tunnel," he said after a meeting with Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa here on Wednesday.
"The construction of a deep tunnel, which will be discussed later this year, will be a breakthrough in our efforts to overcome the problem of flooding in the capital," Jokowi noted.
With regard to funding for the project, he said the government would invite a number of investors to participate in the construction process.
"This project will not only be funded by the government, but also by private investors, because the investment amount is very high," Jokowi explained.
With a diameter of approximately 16 metres, the planned deep tunnel will be built along Jalan MT Haryono up to Pluit, North Jakarta.
Former governor Sutiyoso had first proposed the construction of a deep tunnel in the city, which is will require an investment of Rp16.3 trillion.
"Other than helping us tackle floods, the deep tunnel will serve three purposes: It can be used as a highway; it can house waste treatment facilities; and it can also be used as a utility network channel, such as for telephone lines and electricity," Jokowi pointed out.
"The construction of a deep tunnel will improve environmental sanitation and will also help reduce the use of groundwater. Besides, it does not require land acquisition and can serve as a toll road too," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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