Tangerang, private sector to repair schools<\/p>\n
Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang<\/p>\n
An Rp 80 billion (US$8.79 million) allocation from its Rp 205.5
\nbillion education budget was inadequate for the Tangerang
\nadministration to renovate 212 damaged schools in the
\nmunicipality, so it has called upon the private sector to cover
\nthe financial shortcoming.<\/p>\n
Tangerang is collaborating with private investors through low-
\ninterest loans under an installment scheme, with total investment
\nreaching Rp 228 billion.<\/p>\n
Tangerang Mayor Wahidin Halim said the combined budget would
\nbe enough to renovate the damaged schools this year.<\/p>\n
\"If we only relied upon the annual budget, the renovation
\nwould take three years to finish. By then, some of the schools
\nmay have collapsed,\" he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.<\/p>\n
With the support of private investors, the renovation is
\nprojected to be finished by March 2005.<\/p>\n
Wahidin said the collaboration scheme with private investors
\nshould be followed by other administrations, and that neighboring
\nTangerang regency was already on the look-out for investors for a
\nsimilar project.<\/p>\n
\"Under such a scheme, we can hold on to the budget required
\nfor the renovation and spread the planning, supervision and
\nmaintenance fees over three years,\" Wahidin said.<\/p>\n
By renovating the schools at the same time, the administration
\ncould also save on the price of construction material and
\nworkers' wages, which could fluctuate over time.<\/p>\n
\"If we can finish the renovations at the same time, the
\nschools could be used immediately. Students and teachers no
\nlonger need fear that their schools would collapse,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The 212 damaged schools comprise 171 state elementary schools,
\n15 state junior high schools, 13 senior high schools, 10 Islamic
\nelementary schools and four vocational schools.<\/p>\n
Wahidin said if the administration could finish the renovation
\nwork next year, it would concentrate on improving teachers'
\nwelfare through its 2006 budget.<\/p>\n
\"In 2006, the education budget will be used to subsidize poor
\nprivate schools and help them renovate the schools. The following
\nyear, we will focus ... on improving teachers' welfare,\" he said.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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