Note the difference between the usage of excavators vs.

manpower for canals.

Excavator:

With an excavator, the calculation to estimate the time needed to dig a 100-meter
canal in an old shrimp pond changed significantly. Excavators are much more efficient
than manual labor, especially in soft and wet soil conditions. Here are the key factors
to consider :

1. Excavators vary in size and capacity. An average excavator can dig about 100
to 200 cubic meters of earth per day, but this heavily depends on the type of
machine and soil conditions.
2. If we take the previously mentioned standard dimensions (1.5 meters deep by
1.5 meters wide), each linear meter of canal represents about 2.25 cubic
meters of earth to excavate (1.5 m x 1.5 m x 1 m).
3. Conditions: Although excavators are less affected by weather conditions than
manual labor, very soft or wet soil can slow down operations, as it may be
necessary to stabilize the machine or manage additional water.

Assuming an average efficiency, let's calculate how long it would take to dig a 100-
meter canal:

Suppose an excavator can move about 100 cubic meters of earth per day (a cautious
estimate) and each linear meter of the canal represents 2.25 cubic meters. In that
case, it can theoretically dig about 44 linear meters of canal per day (100 / 2.25).

Therefore, a 100-meter canal would take about 2 to 3 days of practical work with
an excavator. This calculation is an estimate and could vary depending on the actual
site conditions and the size of the excavator used.

Manual:

Inexperienced team: This can slow down the work, as the optimal techniques and
methods for digging might need to be better mastered.

Use of shovels and spades: These manual tools are less efficient than mechanized
equipment. Therefore, the work will be slower and more laborious.

Soft and wet soil: Soil of this type is more difficult to dig and can collapse or fill with
water, necessitating additional work to maintain the canal's structure.
Overcast weather: While this might be more comfortable for physical work than full
sun, it can also mean a greater likelihood of rain, which could interrupt the work.

Length of the canal: A 100-meter canal is a significant project for a manual team.
Assuming each person can dig about 2-3 linear meters per day (a generous estimate
in soft and wet soil) and considering breaks and possible inefficiencies due to lack of
experience, the team could potentially dig about 20-30 meters per day for a team of
10. Thus, a 100-meter canal could take about 4 to 5 days of actual work.

However, this calculation does not consider potential delays due to weather or other
unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, the pace of work may decrease as the team
becomes tired, mainly if they are not accustomed to intense physical labor. Planning
for an additional margin is prudent, bringing the estimated duration to about a week
or more.

Costs:

Manual option:
If a team of 10 persons can work a canal of 100m over a week, the cost will be.

- An hourly minimum wage in West Nusa Tenggara (Lombok) for 2024 is approximately
Rp 15,275.42. , say 20,000

- 10 * 20,000*5 = 1,000,000

- Spades cost = 100,000 * 10 = 1,000,000

The total cost is 2,000,000 plus the contingency cost of 1,000,000 for
transportation/food/water.

Excavator option:
Excavator: circa 1,280,000 per day
Person to operate: = 140,000 per day

For 3 days:
Total cost: circa 1,880,000 daily, w/o fuel and insurance.

AB note: Constructing canals with excavators, despite their higher daily cost, can save
expenses and time due to their efficient work speed (less days). The outcome of canal walls
(lining) hardened or compacted with quality machines is better compared to manual
methods. Additionally, at site Lombok No 2 (active), an excavator was present during the
October 2023 visit, and farmers or owners tend to prefer using machines. While manual
canal excavation positively involves many people, the work is physically demanding and time-
consuming for humans.