Normalization of the Padang River is Accelerated, the Ministry of PU Opens a 24-Hour Work Option

Minister of Public Works Doddy Hanggodo. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has accelerated the normalization of river flow in Padang City, West Sumatra, following the impact of flooding that damaged infrastructure and community activities.

Minister PU Doddy Hanggodo said the acceleration was carried out by optimizing work in the field, including the possibility of implementing a 24-hour work system by construction service providers.

"If it is really needed, service providers can work two or three shifts. The target is that the completion can be faster," said Doddy as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, January 29.

In addition, the PU Ministry encourages the implementation of a labor-intensive program to involve affected people in the recovery process. This program is expected to maintain people's purchasing power and support local economic recovery.

Doddy added that the policy was in line with the President's direction that people affected by disasters should be empowered and not lose their livelihoods.

The Mayor of Padang Fadly Amran welcomed the acceleration of post-flood handling and expressed the readiness of the local government to collaborate with the central government.

The normalization of river flow is considered crucial to prevent the risk of continued flooding as well as accelerating the recovery of people's economic activities in the affected areas.