"I have proposed budget at least RP600 billion to the Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo for water culvert construction and Ciliwung River widening," Djoko said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto has proposed a Rp600 billion budget to the finance ministry for the construction of water culvert that connects Ciliwung River to East Canal as well as the development of West Canal.

"I have proposed budget at least RP600 billion to the Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo for water culvert construction and Ciliwung River widening," said Djoko here on Thursday.

According to him the water culvert is to reduce water flood in several areas in Jakarta.

He said that the development plan had been discussed in internal ministry level and currently is waiting for the approval from the Indonesian Parliament.

"We have agreed when discussed on the construction as it is the President`s instruction. But we have to conduct political measure by obtain permission from Indonesian Parliament," said Minister.

Djoko said that the water culvert construction can be done after administration and budget process is completed.

He said that government can start to fulfill the materials and service for the preparation of construction.

"We should start on current year by hold project auction. However, the Ministry cannot start the construction if the budget is not accepted yet," said Djoko.

Previously the Economy Coordinating Minister Hatta Radjasa admitted that the water culvert become government priority program to decrease flood level which recently strucked several areas in Jakarta, include business area in Thamrin, Central Jakarta.

He said that Jakarta needs culvert to the East Canal as the water flow amount in the area is streamed much higher through West Canal.

The Minister said that feasibility study related to the project has been done, so the government can start the culvert construction on 2014.

"Previously, when Jakarta was inundated by flood several weeks ago, it is because Ciliwung River`s overflow, while it is not connected to the East Canal. The water flow in West Canal from Ciliwung River is too heavy. So we decided to construct water culvert," said Hatta.

He said that the government will fulfill the President`s instruction as an effort to reduce flood in Indonesia Capital City.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013