TEMPO.CO, Subang – A number of embankments along the Cipunagara River—the largest river in Subang, West Java—are in dire straits and about to collapse.
“There are six embankments that have been severely damaged,” said Joko Agung, the coordinator of the Community for the Pantura (Java’s northern coast) Subang, on Monday, December 15, 2014.
According to Joko, flash floods were imminent unless the embankments were repaired immediately. “Not to mention that rainfall intensity is beginning to rise lately,” he said.
Joko added all districts along Subang’s northern coast would be flooded should the embankments break.
Joko regretted that the regency’s administration and Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) had seemed to turn a blind eye to the situation. “We have reported this since long ago,” he said.
Ismail, the regency’s water management authorities’ spokesman, confirmed the reports on the damaged embankments, yet said the management of the embankments fell in the authority of the Citarum River Area Agency (BBWS).
He explained the BBWS was also late in proposing the funds to repair the embankments—with year-end just around the corner. “But we have reported this,” he said.
NANANG SUTISNA