Aussie firms win Java power projects

Aussie firms win Java power projects

SYDNEY (UPI): Two leading Australian engineering companies
have landed contracts worth US$95 million to provide electrical
infrastructure assistance to Indonesia, officials said yesterday.

The two companies -- Gec Alsthom and Abb Ept Ltd. -- won the
million dollar contracts which range from nine months to two
years.

"We are over the moon and extremely happy over the deal which
will create more jobs in Sydney," Abb Ept financial director
Dieter Beck told United Press International (UPI).

"Our company will build the power lines and Gec will construct
the sub-stations for the Indonesians," he said.

Australian government minister for development cooperation
Gordon Bilney said that power shortages are hindering economic
growth and restricting Indonesia's capacity to improve living
standards -- especially in Jakarta and West Java where the
projects will take place.

Electricity consumption has been increasing about 16 percent
each year and the state-owned electricity company Perusahaan
Listrik Negara (PLN), had been unable to meet the growing demand.

"Now two Australian companies will help meet the demand for
energy by providing electricity substations and transmission
lines," Bilney said.