Total 20 joint personnel were deployed to survey channel construction on Jl. Raya Setu-Cilangkap, Cipayung, East Jakarta, on Thursday (5/20). Survey was carried out because water channels along 943 meters and 772 meters were planned to be built in the location.

Field survey is needed to check utilities that will be affected due to construction work

Joint personnel from Jakarta Water Resources (SDA) Agency, City Park and Forestry Agency, East Jakarta SDA Sub-agency, City Park and Forestry Sub-agency, and urban village apparatuses were deployed to check utilities that will be affected by the construction project.

East Jakarta SDA Sub-agency's Development and Drainage Improvement Section Head, Tengku Saugi Zikri stated, survey was carried out to determine the starting point of channel construction project, as well as to check utilities that would be affected. Because in the location, there are many trees on roadside that will be affected by the development. Besides, his side also planned to install clean water and gas pipelines.

"Field survey is needed to check utilities that will be affected due to construction work. That's why we involve related parties to seek mutual agreement. Because there will be impacts on constructing channels. Starting from traffic congestion, noise, and trees that will be cut down along the channels," he explained.

According to him, channel construction work is planned to begin this week. This work is targeted to be completed in 2.5 months.

Channels will be built in 2 points along length 943 meters and 772 meters with depth about 1-1.5 meters in the same location. His side will use U-ditch concrete with different width between 60-80-100-120 centimeters.

"We hope residents can be patient during the construction. Surely, it will have impacts due to construction, but we will try to minimize the impacts as much as possible," he added.

Meanwhile, East Jakarta City Park and Forestry Sub-agency Head, Christian Tamora Hutagalung mentioned, around 47 trees are expected to be cut down since they are located in areas where water channels will be built.

But after identifying and observing with local community, the impact can be minimized. In the end, only 7 trees that will be affected due to construction.

"Our principle is how to maintain the trees, thus not losing their ecological benefits. That is why we try our best. From initial plan where it will impact 47 trees, but now only 7 trees that will be cut down in this project," he conveyed.