Barabai, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The government of Central Hulu Sungai (HST), South Kalimantan, and the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry have discussed the development of Pancur Hanau Dam to prevent flood disasters.
“I have had an audience with the Directorate General of Water Recources of the PUPR Ministry. The develoment of this dam is very important, because it concern the lives of many people,” said Regent of HST Aulia Oktafiandi in Barabai, Thursday.
The district, he said, is the food supply holder for three district in the province, which is being prepared as a food gateway for the National Capital (IKN) of Nusantara, so it must be supported by a dam construction to anticipate flood disasters.
“I brought a letter of recommendation from the Governor of South Kalimantan. Several years ago, we also had an audience regarding the proposed dam development, now we are coordinating, so that the construction will be realized quickly,” he said.
Aulia, with his entourage, including Regional Secretary Muhammad Yani, acting Head of PUPR Office, and Head of Bapelitbangda, were welcomed by Director of Dams and Lakes of Directorate General of Water Resources Adenan Rasyid and his staff.
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Aulia emphasized that the construction of the dam is prioritized with quite urgency. When he was first in office, a severe flood hit the district.
In addition to hinder floods, the dam will be used to strengthen agricultural production to irrigate agricultural land. The Batang Alai, for example, is irrigating 5,600 hectares or land.
If added to Pancur Hanau, there us a potential for additional 5,500 hectares to be irrigated. If these two dams work, they could increase the estimated rice harvest from 60,000 tons 120,000-130,000 tons per year.
Director of Dams and Lakes Adenan Rasyid said that thePancur Hanau Dam proposed by HST government has been included in his program.
He said there are 126 dam programs identified in various clusters. Eight of which in the certified cluster, around 33 in civil design stage, about 40 had entered the feasibility study cluster, the remaining 45 had just entered the potential stage.
“The Pancur Hanau Dam of Central Hulu Sungai is included in the feasibility study stage, the development is a community need,” said Adenan.
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