Koreans to build Irian road

Koreans to build Irian road

JAKARTA (JP): Four South Korean companies signed a memorandum
of understanding with Irian Jaya authorities on Friday for the
construction of a US$1.7 billion road stretching 11,280
kilometers from Jayapura to Wamena.

The deal was signed in Jakarta by representatives of the
Korean companies -- Initiative Co. Ltd., Dong Ah Co. Ltd., Tong
Woo Co. Ltd. and Chong Buk Co. Ltd. -- and of the Irian Jaya
provincial administration and the Irianese Council.

The cost covers land clearance and construction for the road
linking the provincial capital city in the northeast to the main
town in the Baliem Valley.

Irian Jaya deputy governor JRG Djopari, who signed the
agreement on behalf of the government, said the consortium would
be repaid partly from the sale of timber obtained from land
clearing activities for the road.

Survey for the construction will begin later this month and
construction is expected to start in January. The road is
estimated to be finished in 15 years, he said. (10)