The Blue Troops of the North Jakarta Water Resources Sub-agency continue to intensify dredging work to remove mud sediment and garbage from the Kelapa Lilin Connecting Channel (Phb) on Jalan Raya Kelapa Lilin, Kelapa Gading Timur Urban Village, Kelapa Gading District. As of now, the project has reached around 30 percent completion. The dredging operation is part of a routine effort by the North Jakarta Water Resources Agency to maintain the drainage system so it can function optimally, especially during periods of heavy rainfall that often trigger flooding and water overflow in the area.
Head of the North Jakarta Water Resources Sub-agency, Heria Suwandi, explained that the sediment removal is aimed at improving water flow toward downstream areas and reducing the risk of blockages within the drainage network. According to him, the dredging project targets a total sediment removal volume of 1,128 cubic meters. So far, around 340 cubic meters of mud have already been successfully removed by personnel working on-site. Authorities believe the project will significantly improve drainage performance and create a safer environment for nearby residents during extreme weather conditions.
The work area stretches approximately 470 meters in length and four meters in width. Up to this point, dredging activities have covered around 140 meters of the channel. Heria stated that the operation has been carried out manually by the Blue Troops since April 15 and is being completed gradually to ensure maximum results. The North Jakarta Water Resources Agency is targeting the entire dredging process to be completed by July this year as part of broader flood mitigation and drainage maintenance efforts across the region.
In addition to carrying out the dredging project, authorities also called on residents to help maintain the cleanliness of waterways by avoiding littering into drainage channels. Heria expressed appreciation for community support and emphasized that the agency remains committed to ensuring the city’s drainage system operates effectively for the comfort and safety of North Jakarta residents. Local security officer Arya, 45, also welcomed the dredging effort, noting that heavy rain often causes water to overflow onto nearby roads. He said residents fully support the project and are prepared to help keep the drainage channel clean in the future.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
