BEKASI, KOMPAS.com — Minister of Public Works Djoko Kirmanto ensures that the east flood canal project (BKT) will be done by January 2010, and it will lessen the flood for its surroundings, such as the Kelapa Gading Permai residential area.
After planting trees for the Public Works' Social Service Day 2009, in Bekasi, Saturday, the minister highlighted that though the BKT will be functional by 2010, some works will still be done, such as for building some beams and walls. "When the BKT is done, the water during heavy rains will be diverted to the sea, and next there will be the west flood canal project. The completion of the BKT is included in the 100 day program of the Department of Public Works."
As for land claiming, according to Djoko it's the duty of the Jakarta government, and the Public Works will just execute the physical construction. Considering that the land in Jakarta is limited, he suggested the people to let go of their properties at the construction site for the greater good.
The minister of public works also said that the Jakarta government would compensate the land appropriately and that there was no pressure. "There's no unfair compensation for the lands for the BKT project. All of them are paid appropriately. When the project is done, everyone will benefit from it."
When asked regarding utilizing the BKT for water transportation the minister said that the issue would be reviewed after the BKT is done. (IMA/C17-09)
