Kotanopan, Startnews – The Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) of Mandailing Natal (Madina) deployed heavy equipment in the form of backhoe to clear landslide material that reached Simandolam Road, Kotanopan District, Madina on Friday (10/11/2023).
Until the afternoon, the road to the two villages on the other side of the Batang Girls River could only be passed by motorbikes. Backhoe charger unable to lift the large rock from the top of the path that was hanging and cracked. This large rock is dangerous for road users.
The operator of the heavy equipment tried to approach several times, but the state of the large cracked rock made it dangerous to approach. From time to time the ground at the bottom of the big rocks is slippery, making it risky to lift it.
Simandolam village chief Ahmad Zubeir, who was at the site, said the soil and stone material that fell from the cliff was quite large, so it was risky if the cleanup continued.
“Big rocks are hanging on the top of the road, the heavy equipment is not able to lift them. The state of the stone has also broken. “There is fear that if the ground material shifts even if it’s just a little, it causes a landslide,” said Ahamd Zubeir.
In order for the path to return to its original position, according to him, it was necessary to remove the large rock. “We are confused, tomorrow is Sunday in Kotanopan, usually residents pass by transport cars. “However, the large stones still hanging over the road are difficult to remove,” he said.
Kotanopan sub-district chief Pangeran Hidayat said heavy equipment is still being used to clear landslide material so far. However, clearing the landslide material was hampered by large rocks on top of the road.
“On the one hand, if this large rock is left, it will threaten the safety of road users”, he said.
The heavy equipment operator was still trying to lift the large rock. “Hopefully tomorrow this road will be passable by four-wheeled vehicles,” he said.
Reporter: Lokot Husda Lubis
