Each year, community service is done over different problems and solutions. This year, for the object of the community service, Sibades built weir.

A weir is a structure built as a barrier that alters the flow characteristics of river. Different from a dam, a weir raises water surface for easier water channeling onto intake channel (a channel that flows water from river to objects of irrigation such as rice fields, plantation, and husbandry) even during drought.

According to Muhammad Qinthara Aghnat as the Head of Sibades Scientific Division, the funding, location, design, and other things have been prepared since previous management in 2018/2019. The selection was based on urgency and need of water availability, especially irrigation in Pangalengan.

Irrigation Support

According to Luis as the Chair of Sibades, the surrounding community previously built their weir using makeshift materials such as bamboos, banana trees, sandbags, and stones. This, however, cause a problem when rainy season comes, the existing weir is carried along with high water discharge of river currents.

Now, with the new weir, irrigation will be easier for the surrounding 200 hectare of rice fields, dozens of hectare of plantation, and a number of animal husbandry which supply their water from the weir.

“The community service is conducted for 3 weeks from 21 July 2019 and will be inaugurated on 24 August 2019,” said Luis.

The design underwent several calculation phases, such as hydrological calculations, stability, irrigation, etc. which are expected to lead onto a sturdy, properly functioning, and safe weir. “All matters related to construction and design of the weir are carried out by HMS mass construction team under the guidance of Hardi Kardhana, S.T, M.T, Ph.D. In the construction, we work jointly with surrounding residents and involve 1 foreman and 6 local workers,” said Qinthara.

On the new students welcoming ceremony for undergraduate programs academic year 2019/2020, Sibades received Ganesha Karsa Award for the implementation of science to community. The funding to build the weir was received from Student Affairs of ITB in cooperation with other company and alumni.

Reporter: Diah Rachmawati (Industrial Engineering 2016)