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)