Communities Will Be Involved In Handling Floods In Sampit

Halikinnor Regent monitors services at Dr Murjani Sampit Hospital, Monday (9/5/2022). During heavy rains, some locations in this hospital were flooded, especially in the old buildings. ANTARA/HO-Kotim Regency Government

SAMPIT - East Kotawaringin Regent Halikinnor said that the handling of floods that still often occur in Sampit City requires community involvement so that the results are more effective and optimal.

"I want to revive mutual cooperation in our respective neighborhoods and we will check that. After all, the local government's capacity, both in terms of budget and personnel, is limited. So good coordination must be done," said Halikinnor in Sampit, the capital city of East Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan, reported by Antara, Tuesday, May 10.

This was conveyed by the regent in response to the floods that still frequently hit Sampit City during heavy rains, especially when the Mentaya River was at high tide. As happened on Saturday, May 7 night until Sunday, May 8, floods submerged a number of roads and settlements of Sampit residents.

RSUD dr Murjani is not spared from the flood, especially in the old building which is located in the center of the hospital area. As a result, activities in the agency were slightly disrupted.

According to Halikinnor, Sampit's geography, which includes Baamang and Mentawa Baru Districts, Ketapang, is indeed prone to flooding due to its relatively low position. If the river is high tide and it happens to be raining heavily for a long time, then flooding will occur. This, he said, has become a serious concern for local governments in recent years. Drainage in a number of locations, such as Jalan Achmad Yani, Jalan MT Haryono and others has been gradually rehabilitated.

The impact, according to the regent, is quite good, because now these roads are no longer subject to flooding. Even if it was inundated, now the condition is not too long because the water quickly flows into the river so that the puddle recedes.

The local government, he said, continues to work on improving the drainage in the city. Some points of flood-prone locations will have their drainage improved so they don't get inundated during heavy rains.

Halikinnor again emphasized the importance of caring and involvement of citizens in overcoming this problem. Residents are expected to participate in maintaining the cleanliness of the drainage or ditch so that water flows smoothly, so it does not spill over into roads and settlements.

"I want to invite residents through the RT to protect the environment. At least that way when it rains heavily, the water doesn't stay stagnant for long, especially when the river is high tide. If it's low tide, the water will only stagnate for a while," said Halikinnor.