Soenarno to focus on toll roads

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)