City insists on apartment plan

South Jakarta mayor Pardjoko said that the city administration will go ahead with its plan to build a low-cost apartment complex on a former fire site in West Tebet, South Jakarta.

Pardjoko confirmed the plan after a closed meeting with 20 delegates representing the fire victims at his office last Friday.

"I hope the residents will approve the city's plan as it will improve their own welfare," he was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

The mayor pledged that the 230 families (1,039 people) will receive compensation for their burned houses. The money, however, will not be paid in cash as it will go to helping residents pay for the apartment units.

"The remaining amount which residents will have to pay will be smaller (than the actual price)," said Pardjoko.

However, Pardjoko did not reveal the results of the meeting or the construction schedule for the apartments.

The West Tebet residents reportedly still oppose the apartment plan, saying they will not be able to afford all the expenses that apartment living entails, including rents and high water bills. (03)