Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), through its Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), has officially commenced the construction of a retention pond at the Asshodiqiyah Islamic Boarding School in Sawah Besar, Kaligawe Village, Gayamsari District, Semarang City. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
The event was attended by UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., Head of LPPM UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Ing. Suherman, S.T., M.T., lecturers from the Community Service Program for Science and Technology in Assisted Villages, and the Head of Asshodiqiyah Islamic Boarding School, KH. Shodiq Hamzah Usman.
This retention pond project is part of LPPM UNDIP’s community service initiative, aimed at managing stormwater and wastewater in the boarding school area. The initiative is planned to span three years. The first phase involves the construction of the retention pond, followed by a rainwater harvesting pilot project in the second year. Subsequently, a wastewater treatment installation (IPAL) and drainage network will be developed, with a second pond scheduled for construction in the third year.
In his remarks, UNDIP Rector Prof. Suharnomo emphasized the university’s commitment to benefiting the community and the environment. “We must leverage UNDIP’s technological capabilities to support food security and reduce poverty in Central Java. This effort is entirely focused on assisting the community, especially in Central Java and Semarang City,” he said.
The Rector also encouraged UNDIP’s academic community to continue innovating. “To my colleagues at UNDIP, let’s create impactful breakthroughs. We may not solve every problem, but what’s important is that our knowledge brings benefits. Hopefully, this initiative will be a blessing for all of us and UNDIP,” he added.
Head of LPPM UNDIP, Prof. Suherman, highlighted that this activity aligns with UNDIP’s new tagline. “This initiative stems from the UNDIP Rector’s vision. LPPM carries out its duty of community service, in line with UNDIP’s tagline, ‘UNDIP Bermartabat, UNDIP Bermanfaat,'” he explained.
The Head of Asshodiqiyah Islamic Boarding School, KH. Shodiq Hamzah Usman expressed his appreciation for UNDIP’s initiative. “Alhamdulillah, UNDIP, Insya Allah, brings benefits to the community. Hopefully, this pond will provide a solution to the flooding problems that often occur,” he said.
The retention pond, covering an area of 120 square meters with a depth of 1.5 meters, will be built within the Asshodiqiyah Boarding School complex. It is designed to collect and distribute rainwater runoff, helping to mitigate flood risks in the area. (Hng-Humas)
