The Secretary of Batam City, Jefridin, conducted a site inspection following residents’ complaints about overflowing drainage in Taman Duta Mas, Batam. Despite efforts to expand waste catchment systems, sedimentation and waste remain the primary causes of water blockages, leading to frequent flooding.
On October 14, 2024, Batam’s Secretary, Jefridin, visited Taman Duta Mas to assess the ongoing flooding issues reported by local residents. The problem, caused by inefficient drainage, has been a growing concern, especially after the recent overflow due to blocked waterways.
During the inspection, Jefridin highlighted that although the size of the trash catchers in the drainage system had been increased to three meters, the buildup of waste and sedimentation remains the key challenge in preventing proper water flow. The Sedimentation Trap Trash Rack (STTR) 5, managed by BP Batam, was found clogged with large waste materials such as palm tree trunks and banana stems.
Jefridin urged both the local government and the community to work together in resolving the drainage problems. He stressed that the accumulation of waste in the drainage systems should not only be addressed by authorities but also requires public cooperation to ensure a cleaner environment.
The city government, despite its efforts, faces budget constraints, which have hindered more extensive repairs and solutions. Jefridin mentioned that the issue has been included in Batam’s Regional Government Work Plan (RKPD), and significant funding will be required for a complete resolution.
The Batam government is also coordinating with local community leaders to find short-term fixes. As an immediate response, the Secretary directed the Department of Public Works and Water Resources to widen the drainage systems in the affected areas to help alleviate flooding more quickly during heavy rainfall.
Read More: Integrated Drainage Development to Enhance Urban Planning in Batam
In conclusion, Jefridin hopes that this inspection will be a first step toward long-term infrastructure improvements, reducing the impact of future floods. He emphasized that both government and community participation are essential in maintaining functional drainage systems in Batam.
Addressing flooding in Batam requires both governmental action and community responsibility. With ongoing drainage inspections and plans to improve infrastructure, the Batam government is working toward a cleaner, flood-resistant future, though budget challenges remain.
Batam’s Secretary Jefridin inspected drainage problems in Taman Duta Mas, finding sedimentation and waste blockages as the primary causes of flooding. Despite budget constraints, the government is working on both short-term and long-term solutions to improve drainage and reduce future floods.
Source: Info Publik (2024)
Keywords: Drainage Overflow Inspection, Batam Drainage Issues, Waste Management
