Bogor vendors want market repair

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)