Two Dams to be Built in Konawe to Solve Flooding Problems

KOMPAS/SAIFUL RIJAL YUNUS

Two brothers ask for donations from motorists on Thursday (20/6/2019) in Pondidaha, Konawe regency, Southeast Sulawesi. Severe flooding has inundated four regions in the province, where thousands of families have bee forced to evacuate. The cause of the disaster has been attributed to the rapid conversion of forest areas and critical watersheds for industry and large-scale plantations.

KONAWE, KOMPAS — The central government will prioritize the construction of two dams in Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi to solve the flooding problem in the regency. The dams will be used as water reservoirs to prevent flooding in the future. However, the main cause of the flooding must also be resolved.

Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said Thursday that the dams to be constructed would be the Ameroro and Pelosika dams. "This year, the construction of the Ameroro Dam will be tendered as part of the development of 49 dams planned by the government. The dam will have a capacity of 40 million cubic meters. In 2020, there will be the construction of a bigger dam, Pelosika Dam, on the main river Konawe," he said when visiting the location of floods in Konawe.