What Causes Floods, Illegal Buildings Above Water Channels Get Demolished By Surabaya City Government

JAKARTA - The Surabaya City Government is dismantling illegal buildings that stand above waterways in an effort to prevent flooding and puddles during heavy rains.

"The demolition of the building (warung) has started to be carried out simultaneously with the normalization or dredging of waterways in a number of areas in Surabaya," said Deputy Mayor (Wawali) Surabaya Armuji in Surabaya, Thursday, April 7, quoted from Antara.

The demolition of illegal buildings along with the normalization of waterways began in the Kupang Segunting area, Tegalsari District on Tuesday (5/4) and along Jalan Dupak Rukun and Tanjung Sari Surabaya on Wednesday (6/4).

According to him, the demolition of the illegal buildings is also to ensure that the waterways in the city of Surabaya function optimally.

He said the flooding or inundation that occurred in a number of areas in Surabaya was not only caused by the high rainfall, but also the misuse of the water channel function.

"We appeal to local residents not to build buildings in the form of stalls, shops, or others above waterways," he said.

He also conveyed that the Surabaya City Government's efforts were for the convenience and safety of Surabaya residents. This is because, he said, a few days ago the "City of Heroes" had heavy rains, which caused most of the area to be inundated.

"That's why we move quickly, restore the function of the water channel, so that there are no puddles when there is heavy rain," he said.

In addition, he continued, buildings above waterways also violate Regional Regulation No. 2 of 2020. Article 22 paragraph 1 explains that every person or legal entity or association is prohibited from polluting and damaging drainage, green lines, and other public facilities.

"Currently, all buildings that stand on the river are being inventoried. After the data collection, we will take firm and measured steps," said Armuji.