Free kiosks at Bogor market

BOGOR (JP): Local authorities have started constructing 70 temporary kiosks at Kebon Kembang market for traders whose shops were gutted in a fire on July 24.

"The kiosks, which the authorities began building on Tuesday, are to be given to the traders who haven't yet rebuilt their shops tomorrow," market operator spokesman Erawan said.

Last month's fire destroyed 187 kiosks that had been erected temporarily after a 1996 blaze in which 10 people died.

A day after the July 24 fire, the authorities vowed to immediately build temporary kiosks for the traders. After waiting several days for further developments, some traders rebuilt their kiosks themselves.

According to Bogor Municipality spokesman Hari Harsono, no compensation will be given to those who rebuilt their shops without the local authority's knowledge.

"It's their own fault for being too impatient to wait for the authorities to help rebuild their kiosks," Hari said. (24/bsr)