Yogya builds $20m dam

YOGYAKARTA: The government has started building a Rp 41 billion (US$20 million) multi-purpose reservoir in Kulonprogo, 40 kilometers west of here.

The 1.5 square kilometer Sermo Reservoir is designed to irrigate 3,500 hectares of the Kulonprogo regency and will be developed into a tourist destination.

Head of the Yogyakarta office of public works, Suripto Kusumowinoto said it has taken 12 years to design the project and is expected to go into operation by the end of 1996.

As many as 170 families have been relocated to make way for the project on the Serang River, Antara reported. (pan)