Soenarno to focus on toll roads

JAKARTA (JP): Newly-inaugurated Minister of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno revealed his short-term programs, focusing on, among others, the rehabilitation of toll roads and highways, and the construction of public housing for the poor.

"By rehabilitating toll roads and highways, we can invite more foreign companies to invest in our industries," he told the press after taking over his new post from Erna Witoelar during a ceremony at his office on Friday.

He said that most of the toll roads and highways were in bad condition and needed immediate renovation, especially those in the eastern part of Java, as well as in Kalimantan, Sumatra and other regions in the eastern part of the country.

However, he said, the program will need a lot of funds which had to come from sources other than the state budget.

Soenarno also said that the winner of the bidding for the 56.87-kilometer Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR) project would be disclosed on Aug. 24.

A special team in charge of selecting tender participants had picked a winner who was considered to be able to perform the work better than the contractor which was originally awarded the project. The winning contractor was expected to be able to finish the project, which has been neglected for years due to the economic crisis.

"We're now studying the toll roads that need to be renovated and we'll announce the tender results in the near future," he said.

The ministry will also continue with this year's program to build 80,000 public housing units for the poor. The project had been delayed because the funds had yet to be disbursed.

"Hopefully, we will receive the first phase disbursement of the Rp 1 trillion funds in early September so that we can start the project soon."

Soenarno is a former director general for water resources development at the ministry. (bby)