BLITAR –  Blitar drainage renovation on Jalan Anggrek will start in early June. The city government wants to prevent repeated floods caused by clogged drainage channels in the area.

The project has become a priority infrastructure program. It aims to improve water management in nearby residential areas and reduce flood risks during the rainy season.

The Blitar city administration has prepared around Rp 800 million for the project. Officials expect the planning process to finish by the end of April so construction can begin without major delays.

Head of the Public Works and Public Housing Agency (PUPR) of Blitar City, Erna Santi, said the project will focus on improving the drainage and irrigation system.

The main goal is to create smoother water flow. The government also wants to reduce standing water during heavy rainfall.

She explained that Jalan Anggrek often becomes one of the flood-prone areas. Poor drainage flow causes water buildup that disrupts residents and road users.

“The budget is around Rp 800 million to repair the drainage channel on Jalan Anggrek,” she said on Sunday.

According to Erna, her office is still completing the planning stage. The team is finalizing technical documents before moving to physical construction.

She said strong planning is important. The project must solve flooding problems for the long term, not only provide a temporary fix.

“The target is to complete the planning by the end of April, then construction can begin in early June,” she explained.

Erna added that construction work will take around four to five months. Therefore, the project will not continue until the end of the year.

She said the city government wants faster completion. Residents should feel the benefits before the next peak rainy season arrives.

“Once construction starts, the work may take around four to five months, so it will not continue until year-end,” she said.

The drainage renovation will improve the function of water channels in nearby settlement areas. Better drainage will help prevent local flooding that often affects the neighborhood.

In addition, smoother water flow will support road safety. It will also improve daily mobility for residents who use Jalan Anggrek as an important access road.

Erna said the city government hopes the project will provide a long-term solution for flood prevention and create a more comfortable environment.

“We hope water can flow more smoothly and flooding will no longer happen, especially during the rainy season,” she concluded.