People want govt to finish road

BEKASI: Residents of Pondok Gede, which borders Bekasi and Jakarta, demanded the government to continue construction on a road that was built until the three-way intersection at Gamprit, as it was causing heavy traffic congestion.

"I don't know why they stopped the roadwork," Ria, who lives in Jatiwaringin, Bekasi, said on Thursday.

Rudy, who lives in Pondok Gede, complained that the abandoned roadwork caused traffic jams during peak hours. "We hope the appropriate authorities finish the road immediately."

Bekasi municipality spokesperson Endang S. said the three kilometer road from Pangkalan Jati to Pondok Gede was the responsibility of the Jakarta administration.

The capital has allocated about Rp 14 billion (US$1.52 million), while Bekasi has allocated about Rp 8 billion to acquire 18,000 sq m of land for the road.

"We will coordinate with the Jakarta administration to continue the road construction project," Endang said. -- Antara