Govt to provide Rp21 billion for fishermen in N Sulawesi

Manado, N Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - The government will this year disburse Rp21 billion to assist fishermen in North Sulawesi, of which Rp3 billion will be taken from the North Sulawesi regional budget.

"Rp15 billion of the money will be used to construct fishery ports in Minahasa, Likupang and Kema districts," Head of North Sulawesi Fishery and Maritime Agency, Xandramaya Lalu said here on Tuesday.

He said that direct assistance for fishermen would be provided through fishermen`s groups. The funds would be provided to empower the fishermen in the coastal areas of North Sulawesi.

Xandramaya said that 10 percent of the funds were now ready to be disbursed while the remaining 90 percent was expected to be allocated in the second semester of this year.