Japanese aid for fish auction center

SORONG, Irian Jaya: The fish auction center currently under construction in Kaimana, Fak-Fak regency, Irian Jaya, is 90 percent completed, J. Becky Rahawarin, the project officer for the center, said.

The Rp 2.2 billion (US$1 million) project is being carried out under financial assistance from the Japanese government through the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund.

The auction center, which is built on a one-hectare plot of land, is meant to secure an adequate supply for a fish canning plant in the area. It also is expected to increase the productivity of local fishermen.

Antara news agency reported that Fak-Fak Regent, J.PM. Matondang, expected this center to encourage fishermen, who live in remote areas, to move to the coastal region near the center, thereby enabling them to sell their fish catches easily.

The center is surrounded by eight buildings, including a warehouse, an office and a workshop. (yns)