Bogor vendors want market repair

BOGOR (JP): A group of traders here have demanded the local government push for the completion of Leuwiliang market, which was gutted in a fire two years ago.

The market's developer, PT Inti Resindo Utama, reportedly scrapped reconstruction work because of the economic crisis.

"The market renovations must continue so we can overcome this day-to-day mess," Iyus, a market vendor, said on Saturday.

Traders criticized the local administration's policy for appointing an "irresponsible developer".

"The administration must choose a credible developer," Iyus said.

Leuwiliang market chief Novriyanto voiced similar hopes.

"We hope the city administration will soon look into the matter. It will be hard if the (market's) condition remains the same... dirty, messy and insecure," he said.

Bogor administration spokesman Helmi Gustian said the administration had set up a special team to choose a suitable developer to continue the renovation project.

"Many have listed in and stated their willingness to continue building the market. Prospective developers have even presented their proposals in front of the team and Bogor regent," Helmi said.

The administration is currently settling an agreement on the costs incurred by the previous developer during reconstruction work, he said.

"PT Inti Resindo Utama claimed that the total investment amounted to Rp 1.6 billion (US$200,000), while our calculation is only Rp 800 million. We're currently discussing the matter," Helmi said.

He said Inti Resindo Utama had expressed interest in continuing its development of the market. "They said that the company has already received new financial support."

Leuwiliang market was gutted in a fire on Aug. 22, 1997. No fatalities were reported from the incident.

About 1,000 vendors in the market were forced to seek alternative trading sites, causing a total loss of Rp 1.1 billion. (24/edt)