Billions for Manokwari housing

MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: The government will allocate Rp 2.1 billion (US$381,820) in the next two fiscal years to help reconstruct houses of victims of the 1995 earthquake and tidal waves in Manokwari district.

The funds have been earmarked to help build 466 houses, Manokwari district chief Mulyono said here Wednesday.

The funds will also be used for the development of public utilities, including roads, an electricity network, drinking water, and health centers, he said as quoted by Antara.

A huge quake followed by massive tidal waves hit the area in February 1995, destroying 400 houses.

Mulyono said the 466 houses would be made available not only to displaced persons but also to slum dwellers in the Manokwari subdistrict. (mds)