Water Needs Increase, Karawang Regent Asks BBWS Citarum to Speed Up Sedimentation of the River

Karawang Regent Aep Syaepuloh (left). ANTARA/HO-Pemkab Karawang

KARAWANG - Karawang Regent Aep Syaepuloh asked the Citarum River Basin Agency (BBWS) to accelerate sediment dredging in a number of river streams and irrigation canals to ensure water availability for the community and farmers.

"We encourage the Citarum BBWS to carry out its main duties and authorities, so that it can accelerate the dredging of river sedimentation and irrigation canals," said Aep in Karawang, West Java, Antara, Wednesday, December 15.

According to Aep, accelerating sediment dredging is an important step to maintain the smooth distribution of water, especially for the agricultural sector. With smooth water flow, farmers are expected to carry out planting activities more optimally.

"We are committed to continue strengthening cross-sectoral coordination in order to maintain the resilience and availability of water resources for the community," he said.

As a form of seriousness, Aep and his team have visited the BBWS Citarum office in Bandung, Tuesday, to discuss steps to accelerate sediment dredging.

In the meeting, the condition of the increasing water needs, both for agriculture, settlements, and the industrial sector, was also discussed.

He emphasized that as water needs increase, synergy and collaboration are needed from all stakeholders so that water independence in Karawang Regency can be realized.

"Water is the main need of the community. Therefore, the local government is interested in ensuring that all regions have access to water that is easily accessible, economically affordable, and available on an ongoing basis," said Aep.

The water needs in Karawang are quite high and continue to increase with the growth of the population. By 2025, the number of residents in Karawang is estimated to have exceeded 2.6 million.

"The high water demand in Karawang is driven by domestic or household activities, industry, and agriculture," he said.