Damaged buildings can be renovated

Damaged buildings can be renovated

TANGERANG (JP): Local authorities have given approval for
renovating four shopping centers and a hotel which were burned
and damaged during massive riots last May, an official said on
Saturday.

Tangerang construction agency's chief, Ahmad Basyari, said
that technically, the buildings could be rebuilt.

"The owners have submitted technical specifications based on
construction research carried out by a team of experts appointed
by the mayoralty to the construction office," he said.

The buildings which could be rebuilt are Matahari department
store in Cimone, Sabar-Subur shopping centers in Jatiuwung and
Pasar Baru, Aneka Subur shopping center and Istana Nelayan Hotel
in Jatiuwung.

Ahmad said that none of the building owners had plans to
renovate their facilities in the near future, even though the
local authorities have offered free-of-charge services for
processing building permits.

Possibly they were still waiting for their insurance claim
payments and for a return of security, he said.

Ahmad said that the renovation of each building was projected
to cost Rp 2 billion to Rp 6 billion.

Two other buildings burned and damaged during the riots,
Ciledug Plaza in Ciledug and Ramayana department store in Cimone,
had collapsed. The Ciledug Plaza collapsed due to severe
ruination, while the Ramayana department store was demolished by
its owner. (41/ivy)