Finding Out Flood Problems At RSCM

RSCM (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - This morning, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital was submerged again. Even though it was only submerged a few hours ago, it receded, but this is the second time this has happened. Previously, the hospital was submerged on Sunday, February 23, after the rain flushed Jakarta for a long time.

Those who want to go to RSCM today, if it's not really urgent, maybe just lunch. The streets and the hospital were flooded pic.twitter.com/JlZ1yNprfm

- dr. Shela Putri Sundawa (@oxfara) February 24, 2020

This elite area has not been flooded for years. DKI DPRD Chairman Prasetio Edi Marsudi suspects that the water entering the RSCM is due to the dilapidation of the water channel under the sidewalk which has just been revitalized by the DKI Provincial Government. He found that no drain valve opening control was there.

Head of the DKI Jakarta Highways Agency, Hari Nugroho, denied this allegation. "RSCM was submerged not due to the revitalization of the sidewalks," Hari said when contacted by VOI, Tuesday, February 25.

Hari said, RSCM was inundated because their internal drainage system was problematic and needed improvement. Meanwhile, the flood in front of the RSCM, namely Jalan Diponegoro, occurred due to the overflow of the Kota Lama Ciliwung river.

"So, the flow of water from the road to the channel is blocked. Sediment, utilities, garbage and some debris from the integrated channel also cause inundation," said Hari.

"For the area, the Highways Agency, the Water Resources Service, and the ranks of the Central Jakarta mayor have carried out draining," he added.

RSCM Director Lies Dina Liastuti said a number of services were hampered by the flood, including an Emergency Room (IGD) and a polyclinic. But the two places are already operating again. Meanwhile, a number of facilities and other medical equipment were damaged by the flood.

Lies admitted that this flood occurred because of the inadequate drainage and the number of water pumps that were not maximal. Therefore, RSCM will conduct an evaluation by creating a new master plan.

"Let us plan again," said Lies.