REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Jakarta authorities have claimed to be ready to handle the floods that are forecast to occur during the peak of the rainy season in February 2015.

"We have made various preparations, such as the recovery of water pumps, and strengthening of river embankments on the northern coast, including in Kelapa Gading and Sunter," Saefullah, the Jakarta administration secretary, stated here, Tuesday.

Three water pumps in Kampung Bandan and Rawa Badak are now being repaired and expected to become operational within the next two or three days.

"In addition to the three pumps, we are also fixing the water pumps in other areas, from Pluit to Marunda. At the same time, we also repaired the embankments," he noted.

The authorities will also raze down illegal houses located along the river basin areas in order to widen them to 8-12 meters.

"Currently, the width of the river basin is only 2 meters, or up to four meters, as most of the areas are illegally occupied by some people. Therefore, we need to put it in order again," Saefullah stated.

In the meantime, Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, alias Ahok, believed that sabotage caused flooding in the capital city on Friday (Jan. 23).

"Several days ago, there were heavy rains, but no flooding. But, on Friday, there was a report about flooding in 36 locations. I suspect sabotage because I saw that the water level in Katulampa was safe, the sea level was normal, and the pump houses were still functioning. The pump houses and sluice gates are monitored by CCTV cameras to prevent any wrongdoing," Ahok noted here, Monday.

After investigation, it was found that North Jakarta was flooded due to a hole in Sunter River's embankment in front of the Mal Artha Gading shopping center. The hole was deliberately made by a contractor to allow the entry of heavy vehicles.

"This is sabotage. They said the embankment was uprooted, so heavy equipment could enter to dredge the mud from the bottom of the river," he added.

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