Hamzah OKs Tangerang flyover

TANGERANG: Vice President Hamzah Haz expressed his support on Tuesday for the construction of a flyover in Balaraja district, Tangerang, which will cost the central government Rp 2 trillion (US$2.3 billion).

Tangerang regency had earlier submitted a proposal for the construction, which will pass through the Serpong housing complex and the northern coast of Banten province.

Tangerang Regent Ismet Iskandar said the flyover would be an essential alternative to the severe traffic woes.

"The congestion is worsening each day, and the flyover is the only solution," he said after a meeting with Hamzah.

Busy traffic in Balaraja is worsened by the sidewalk vendors who run their stalls on the roadside.

The local administration said constructing new roads was not feasible, as it would have to relocate the heavily populated neighborhood of Balaraja. -- JP