'Kiosks' available soon'

JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi promised yesterday temporary kiosks for Senen fire victims would be ready next month.

He said the mayoralty had listed 786 traders who rented kiosks in the destroyed blocks 4 and 5.

There were 1,389 rented kiosks. Many owned more than one kiosk.

Other blocks in the Senen shopping complex will house the temporary kiosks but the exact sites have not been decided.

The 547 traders selling car parts and accessories will be relocated to the Block V car park or part of the Senen Youth Center and maybe Block III's roof.

Ninety-seven traders and two bank operators might be moved to block V. They are sellers of electronic goods, watches, gold, books and eyeglasses.

The 140 garment and food traders might be moved to the car park in front of blocks IV and V.

The market's reconstruction is expected to take two years, Abdul said.

Private building consultant Wiratman and Associates has been appointed to rebuild the market with a better design and in line with fire safety standards.

The fire which broke out Saturday shortly after midnight raged for at least 15 hours. Firefighters said a lack of working hydrants, narrow alleys and various types of rolling doors which closed access to kiosks were major problems in tackling the fire. (02/anr)