BWSK I should tackle flooding problem in West Kalimantan: Minister

Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini urged the Kalimantan River Center Region I (BWSK I) to find a solution to address the problem of flooding in Kapuas River, West Kalimantan.

“Every year, we are receiving heavier rainfall. Hence, I expect, and the chairman of Commission V DPR RI also compelled the Kalimantan River Center Region I to find methods to save the residents along Kapuas River. If not implemented as soon as possible, it will become more difficult,” the minister noted in Pontianak on Thursday.

The minister spoke of having allocated assistance in several districts in the flood-affected areas while visiting the victims in Sanggau, West Kalimantan, on Wednesday.

The minister visited the Lingkungan Liku Village in Sanggau District, Tanjung Village in Sekadau District and Ulak Jaya Village in Sintang District.

Rismaharini urged the public to stay healthy, exercise vigil, and remain alert, as the impact of climate change due to La Nina was quite severe.

“It is no less important to use the lakes along Kapuas River to become an alternative water reservoir during high rainfall, so that it does not have an impact on the community,” she noted.

The minister acknowledged that taking precautionary measures against climate change was replete with challenges, yet saving the residents along Kapuas River, which might be flooded again, remained the top priority.

“Looking at the existing conditions, efforts need to be made to ensure proper functioning of the lakes along Kapuas River, so that in the event of heavy rainfall, the water does not flow into residential areas,” she remarked.

On Wednesday, the minister and her entourage visited the areas struck by the natural disaster to allocate aid for the refugees. She dispatched her staff to Sekadau District to assist the victims. The minister also confirmed that her staff was at some other locations, such as Sanggau, Sintang, and Melawi.

 

Source: Antara News