Traders complain about high wall

Traders complain about high wall

JAKARTA (JP): Seventeen Bogor residents have complained to the National Commission on Human Rights about the erection of a four- meter-high wall in front of their shop-houses, saying it has killed their businesses.

The complainants, representing 40 traders who have shop-houses in the area adjacent to the Cisalak market, said on Thursday that the wall has stopped people from patronizing their shops since early last year.

The wall was built under a market renovation program jointly conducted by the local market authority and contractor PT Firanti Harum Lestari.

The traders said the wall had also caused flooding.

"When it rains we have to be on the alert, as flood water in the area can reach 1 m in depth," said one trader.

Prior to the market renovation, the authorities and the developer offered to buy the land and the shop-houses for Rp 40,000 per square meter. The traders declined the offer, saying the going price of 1 sq.m of land in the area was Rp 1 million.

Commission member Sri Sumantri said he would discuss the matter with other members. He added that the commissioners might pay a visit to the area. (03)