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Govt starts to revitalize Tondano river

Manado, Ekuatorial – To prevent more floods, Manado government has begun to revitalize Tondano water catchment areas from housing areas, said an official, in Manado, on Monday (13/4).

“I was just being informed by head of Sulawesi River I agency on the development and saying that the project is already in the process for bidding,” said Peter Assa, head of Manado Planning and Development agency. “Seeing from current development, we can predict when to start revitalization.”

In 2014, flash floods hit Manado and claimed 16 lives with billions of rupiah material loss which was considered as a result of Tondano river sedimentation due to increasing illegal housing areas.

Furthermore, Assa said that Rp7 billion (US$ 536,690) allocated for land acquisition in the 2015 state budget. In addition, there was also Rp 10 billion (US$ 766,701) also allocated through Revised Stated Budget under River Agency.

He said that land acquisition would be conducted maximum of 15 meters left and right from the river banks. “But, we will see how it goes because it’s possible not the same measure can be conducted on both sides,” he said.

Royke Mamahit, head of Manado Public Works agency said that the project has entered appraisal phase by an independent party.

“After appraisal phase is completed, then we can figure out prices of lands and buildings to make the payment,” he said. “If we’re done with that then revitalization can go on.”

The revitalization of Tondano river was planned to begin by the end of 2013 by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). However, flash floods and landslides in January postponed the plan.

“Legal and illegal housing areas contributed significant for sedimentation of Tondano river and seven creeks passing through Manado city,” said Rignolda Djalamuddin, lecturer of Marine Faculty of Sam Ratulangi University. “So, when rain season comes, water hit housing areas.” Yoseph Ikanubun

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