Jakarta Council (DPRD) Commission D gave approval to budget proposal for connecting (PHB) channel development in 20 locations submitted by Jakarta Water Resources (SDA) Department in  City Budget (APBD) General Policy and Provisional Budget Priorities and Funding Levels (KUA-PPAS) 2020.

Commission D Chairwoman, Ida Mahmudah explained, Central Jakarta SDA Sub-department proposed Rp 28 billion in KUA-PPAS 2020 for connecting channel construction in 20 locations.

"We asked them about the benefits of budget Rp 28 billion and they said it is for constructing the connecting channels in Central Jakarta as many as 20 locations. Then, Councillors approved the proposal," she explained at Jakarta DPRD Building, Tuesday (11/5).

Meanwhile, Central Jakarta SDA Sub-department Acting Head (Plt), Saiful admitted, his side proposes connecting channel construction in 20 locations. Those are in Cempaka Putih Sub-district, Menteng Sub-district (2 locations), Johar Baru Sub-district, Serdang Urban Village, Harapan Mulia Urban Village, Kramat Urban Village, Pasar Baru Urban Village (2 locations), Duri Pulo Urban Village, Bendungan Hilir Urban Village, Kebon Kacang Urban Village (4 locations) and Kebon Melati Urban Village (2 locations).

"This construction is hoped to optimize function of the channel thus it can prevent inundation in the region. Channel's width will be different based on the area, but minimal 60 centimeters. Early year, we will start the plan and hope it can finish by the end of the year," he stated.