The construction of Embung (retention basin) Brigif on Jalan Aselih RT 09/01, Cipedak, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta is started. There are four amphibious heavy equipment deployed to the location , Thursday (4/24). Wawan Mustopa, Implementer Staff of Land Acquisition for Jakarta Public Works Department, said so.

We have to normalize the land, and it takes a month

According to Mustopa, amphibious excavators would ease the working since the land contour is unstable. Moreover, the rain intensity could not be predicted. "We have to normalize the land, and it takes a month," he added.

Based on beritajakarta.com observation, the excavators were floating on the area used to be fishing and fish seeding. The site will be used as retention basin to control water flow from Bogor and Depok.

"The water pond is about to take 10.3 hectares of site. So far, 3.7 hectares are still in acquisition process," he added.

Total budget spent for land acquisition has reached Rp 64 billion out of budget Rp 74 billion. "This year budget is only Rp 20 billion," he continued.

One of the residents, Rosman (55), had protested the heavy equipment which tore down the building and pond. "I spread the seeds yesterday, but suddenly the equipment already here and destroy everything. I have lost Rp 22 million. Related unit should give us socialization before doing this," he protested.