Roadworks to commence

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) has allocated Rp 266.666 million to assist in infrastructure construction in the province.

"The funds will be allocated for projects in three districts, Jayawijaya, Merauke, and Puncak Jaya, all of which have suffered throughout the drought," a local official of the Coordinating Force for Disaster Prevention, Sam Leimena, said here Friday.

The lion's share of the fund will be used for road construction because, to date, only aircraft can enter those districts from the outside world, Leimena was quoted by Antara as saying.

About Rp 224.35 million of the funds will be used for transportation infrastructure.

The rest of the money will be used for ships to carry clean water to Merauke; water treatment installations in Jayawijaya and Puncak Jaya; and tents to serve as temporary warehouses in all three districts.

The warehouses will be used to collect food before it is dispatched to residents.

The tents will be set up in 17 locations, eight in Jayawijaya, seven in Merauke, and two in Puncak Jaya, Leimena said.