VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The central government will help the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) government build dams in the northern region of Timor Island to control flooding during the rainy season, Governor Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat has said.

"Regarding the control of rainfall that causes flooding in Kupang district, in the future, the regional government and the central government will prepare a plan for the construction of dams in rivers in the northern part of Timor Island to stem the flow of river water," Laiskodat informed in Kupang, NTT, on Thursday.

This is related to the government's efforts to anticipate flash floods, such as those that hit several areas in Kupang district, he added.

The governor explained that dams can help stem river flow and anticipate the overflow of river waters during the rainy season.

"If we are able to control the water flow and stem it, Kupang district will have abundant water reservoirs. Besides preventing flooding during the rainy season, the community will not have water problems during the dry season as well," he added.

He said that the stored water can be used for the development of the agricultural sector because the construction of dams is beneficial not only for preventing floods but also for agriculture.

"Seeing from the current conditions, we will not build a bridge in the future but we will build a dam. The construction of the bridge will be adjusted to certain conditions and needs," he disclosed.

The governor also lauded all parties who helped evacuate the community, helped in the construction of disaster posts, and repaired bridges for residents.

Laiskodat said he hopes that the people affected by the disaster can return to activities related to the agricultural business by optimizing the use of existing agricultural land by planting corn.

“The NTT provincial government, through the Agriculture Service, will provide assistance such as seeds and others to support our people,” he emphasized. (antaranews)