Schools, ports still closed in Nabire after earthquake

Schools, ports still closed in Nabire after earthquake

Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Makassar

Students stayed at home in Nabire on Wednesday, following a
devastating earthquake two weeks ago that destroyed dozens of
schools in the city. Meanwhile, at the city's port, loading and
unloading activities are yet to recommence.

Nabire Deputy Regent Tonny Karubaba, said that his
administration was in the process of estimating the material
losses suffered by schools in the Nov. 26 earthquake, measuring
6.4 on the Richter scale.

The regent said he would also ask the Papua provincial and
central governments to allocate funds for a reconstruction
program in the regency, but, for the time being, urged the two
administrations to provide tents so that schooling could resume.

If emergency tents were provided, children could be back at
school by January next year, said Tonny.

Meanwhile, Nabire port's quay broke into three after the
earthquake and sank, leaving ships with no place to dock and
disrupting the port's regular activities. Ships are now anchored
further out at sea and passengers are transported in small boats
to board them.

"In the future, the government must build an anti-tremor quay.
This is important as the seaport is the backbone of the city's
economy," said Tonny, as quoted by Antara news agency.

The Nabire earthquake, the second in nine months in the city,
claimed at least 32 lives and injured hundreds of residents.

Separately in Makassar, refugees returning to their homes from
Nabire, said they would stay put until the situation returned to
normal.

Abdul Kadir, 48, a native of Makassar, who had worked and
lived for years in Nabire, said he and his family returned to
Makassar as the constant fear of aftershocks had proved too much
for them.

"We don't want to risk our lives in Nabire," said Abdul, who
is one of thousands of Makassar immigrants who returned home via
Makassar port.

Kasman, 29, a native of Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, said he
was still traumatized following the quake. He recalled
discovering bodies buried under rubble and grief-stricken
children who had lost their parents. He too vowed to stay in
Makassar until the situation in Nabire had improved.

Some 20,000 South Sulawesi immigrants lived in Nabire prior to
the earthquake, working in various professions, including as
traders, civil servants and plantation workers.