Rantau, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Tapin, South Kalimantan, Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Office is prioritizing flood mitigation measures by strengthening irrigation networks, rehabilitating rivers, and repairing embankments in several areas prone to flooding.
“The preventive measures include mending irrigation networks, rehabilitating rivers, and repairing damage embankments and riverbanks,” said Head of Tapin PUPR Yustan Azidin in Rantau, Tapin capital, Wednesday.
He expounded that the flood prone area map was last updated in 2022. Based on the data, there are around 20 prone areas spread across several sub-districts.
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"These include Lokpaikat, Bataratat, Bitahan, Perintis Raya, Lumbu Raya, Banua Halat Kanan, Rangda Malingkung, Raya Belanti, Binuang, Tandui, Tatakan, Tambarangan, Sawang, Sungai Bahalang, Hiyung, Parigi, Masta, Serawi, and Pematang Karangan," he said.
He said river normalization and drainage channel repairs are also part of the annual routine program, which continues to be implemented to anticipate flooding when rainfall increase.
Tapin Public Works regularly coordinates with the district's Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) and Environment Office (DLH) to check the condition of rivers in vulnerable areas.
As an emergency measures, his office has opened a rapid reporting mechanism in the event of blockage or damage to water channels.
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“Reports can be submitted immediately via WhatsApp or verbally to floodgate officers, area supervisors, and departement heads,” he explained.
Yustan said despite facing budget constraints due to deficit over the past two years, Tapin Public Works keep maintaining flood mitigation program.
“We are adjusting priority needs, but ensure the budget remains allocated to programs that are crucial at time like this,” he said.
These adaptive measures, he said, are expected to be able to maintain infrastructure resilience and reduce the risk of flooding amidst the high rainfall that hit severla areas in Tapin.
