ADB finances reef rehabilitation

ADB finances reef rehabilitation

BATAM, Riau: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has disbursed an
Rp 18 billion loan for the rehabilitation of coral reefs around
Abang island in Batam.

"The loan is especially designed for Abang island," Abang
Muzni, the director of the Batam Marine, Fisheries and Husbandry
Office, said on Friday.

The loan would be used to rehabilitate the coral reefs
surrounding the island, which had been mostly destroyed by sand
mining, he said.

Besides the ADB loan, the central government would also donate
Rp 900 million to the island, aimed at empowering people in
coastal areas, Abang said.--Antara