Kedungkandang (malangkota.go.id) – The bridge connecting Mergosono and Bumiayu areas in Kedungkandang District has been renovated since the end of September 2023. The closure of this bridge made residents take the initiative to make rafts or getek to facilitate mobilization. However, the use of getek is considered too risky for the safety of residents.
Responding to this, the Head of the Malang City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Prayitno, said that the use of getek has the risk of river accidents. The Malang City Government (Pemkot) does not recommend the use of this facility because of its low level of safety.
"We from the disaster are trying to minimize the risk. With sloping water like this, we don't know if there is a trough or whirlpool underneath, this river is unpredictable," he said.
The large number of people who use getek to facilitate activities has encouraged BPBD to lend life jackets to crossers. Prayitno said the use of life jackets is one of the risk mitigation efforts.
"We mitigate, worried if it rolls over. So we lend life jackets. We mitigate, plan efforts to minimize the risk. Not to legalize and justify (the use of getek), because the government already has solutions such as providing vehicles and alternative roads that can be used. This means that while there are still other options, the public is urged to choose those that are not riskier," explained Prayitno.
Prayitno has also reminded getek managers to anticipate and stop activities if it rains. This appeal has been accepted by the management for the safety and security of residents.
Prayitno also explained that the river that separates the Mergosono and Bumiayu areas has been included in the Disaster Risk Assessment (KRB). "Metro and Brantas have been included in our study to be watched out for. We have also networked with the Batu City Government, so that if there is high rainfall in Batu, we can immediately get information, so we can anticipate here. Including the tough sub-districts must be ready and active," he said. (ari/yon)
