Hutama Karya Subsidiary Accelerates Handling Roads Affected By Flash Flood Disasters In West Sumatra

JAKARTA - The West Sumatra National Road Implementation Center of the Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of PUPR, appointed a subsidiary of PT Hutama Karya (Persero), PT Hutama Karya Infrastruktur (HKI), to accelerate the recovery of roads after the landslide and floods that occurred in West Sumatra Province.

As a result of the natural disasters that occurred in Agam Regency, Tanah Datar Regency and Padang Panjang City, West Sumatra (West Sumatra) on Saturday, May 11, 2024, the condition of Jalan Bts. Padang Panjang-Sicincin City (N.040) was badly damaged. In fact, this 6 kilometer (km) road cannot be passed due to flooding.

"The HKI is given the mandate to help with post-disaster recovery on Jalan Bts. Padang Panjang-Sicincin City, where there are 10 points that need to be handled immediately," said Project Manager for Road Handling Bts. Padang Panjang-Sicin City (N.040) Eka Satriades quoted from the official website of Hutama Karya, Tuesday, May 28.

The handling of the damage point starts from May 2024 and is targeted to be completed by the end of July 2024. "Currently, the HKI is working on handling at Km 64 and focuses on Km 64+100 and 64+200. These two points are of major concern, where the road conditions are completely cut off due to flooding," he said.

After the flood that caused damage on Jalan Bts. Padang Panjang-Sicincin City, HKI immediately mobilized heavy equipment, such as excavators and other supporting tools from the nearest HKI project to clean up the remaining material due to flooding.

"Now the HKI is carrying out a number of works, such as river normalization and hoarding road bodies so that roads can be used immediately," said Eka.

Eka also did not deny that the problem of access was a challenge in completing this work. Given, the location of the handling point which is mostly affected by flooding. In addition, weather conditions that are still often rainy are obstacles that must be faced.

"However, we are committed to giving our best efforts so that the Jalan Bts section. The city of Padang Panjang-Sicincin can be immediately reused by the community. Therefore, we ask for blessings and support from various parties so that everything goes smoothly," he added.

Previously, HKI together with Hutama Karya had also provided assistance to disaster-affected communities in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra. The assistance provided is basic necessities, clothing, and medicines.