Govt gives aid to flood victims

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The government has given Rp 19 billion (US$8 million) to help repair a total of 24,955 houses damaged in the flood that hit North and East Aceh in January.

The Antara news agency reported yesterday that Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tanjung publicly presented the aid to a delegation of six people representing flood victims in the area. Vice Governor H. Zainuddin A.G. attended the ceremony.

Residents whose houses were badly damaged were allocated Rp 1.5 million, while those with minor damage received Rp 500,000.

Minister of Food Ibrahim Hasan, a former governor of Aceh, told residents to put the money to good use. "President Soeharto has asked that the aid not be misused," he said.

Ibrahim said the government would extend aid to widows and orphans, including those left alone after the Gurita ferry mishap which claimed almost 400 lives earlier this year. (swe)