"The construction of the giant sea wall in North Jakarta was originally planned to start in 2020, but I want it accelerated to begin by 2015," Jokowi said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi, has said he wants to accelerate the construction of the Giant Sea Wall mega project in North Jakarta.
"The construction of the giant sea wall in North Jakarta was originally planned to start in 2020, but I want it accelerated to begin by 2015," Jokowi remarked at Jakarta City Hall on Thursday.
He noted that the presence of the giant embankment mega-project is very important because it will serve to overcome the tidal floods that frequently hit villages along North Jakartas coast.
"If possible, we should make all the necessary preparations in 2014 and then begin the physical construction the year after that. The faster, the better because the giant dam is part of our efforts to save Jakarta from tidal floods," Jokowi stated.
The governor explained that the construction of the giant sea wall would go through meticulous calculations in terms of its economic, health, and environmental aspects.
"We certainly still have much to calculate and consider, but if we start now, I believe the construction will start sooner," he pointed out.
Initiated by former Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo, the Giant Sea Wall is a mega project to protect Jakarta against tidal floods and will function as a fresh water reservoir.
Jokowi said small artificial islands and a new economic center will also be built around the giant embankment mega project, estimated to cost Rp150 trillion, with the involvement of the private sector.
According to him, the Giant Sea Wall is expected to solve 90 percent of the flooding problems in Jakarta, where land subsidence occurs every year.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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