No delay in Ambon airport expansion

No delay in Ambon airport expansion

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Officials here on Friday said the
expansion of Pattimura Airport was continuing on schedule despite
the turmoil which has swept across the city in recent months.

"We will continue to develop the airport as there is no order
to delay the plan," the head of the local office of the Ministry
of Communications, M.J. Manuputty, said.

"The project was once stopped for a short while during the
massive outbreak of violence, but we resumed work on Feb. 2," he
said.

The airport's runway is set to expand from 1,800 meters to
2,500 meters.

The project is being financed by the Asian Development Bank
and is slated to be completed in May 2001.

Manuputty said about a third of the work had been completed.
(49/edt)