ADB opens new office in Medan

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) opened a new office in Medan on Wednesday as part of its efforts to support humanitarian projects in Aceh and Nias.

ADB country director David J. Green said on Wednesday the new office was expected to be able to expedite ADB humanitarian projects in the two areas affected by the tsunami and earthquake.

The ADB was currently managing grants provided by the United Kingdom, Canada and the Netherlands governments, Green said. The amount of grants totaled over US$400, which would be channeled for reconstruction, water sanitation, education and other projects in Aceh and Nias island.

External relations officer Ayun Sundari said the projects would be completed by June 30, 2008. -- JP