Govt to kick off reconstruction in W. Sumatera this month

Syofiardi B. Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang | Thu, 12/10/2009 3:21 PM

The government is set to rebuild and repair houses in six districts that were badly damaged during a powerful earthquake in West Sumatera in September.

The six worst-hit districts are Patamuan of Padangpariaman regency, Koto Tengah of Padang city, North Pariaman of Pariaman city, Bayang of Pesisirselatan regency and Luhak Nan Duo of Pasamanbarat.

Febrin Anas Ismail, head of the provincial's assesment team for buildings, said on Wednesday the government would begin the reconstruction program this month and would continue until 2012.

“We will receive around Rp 115 billion (US$ 12 million) for the program in six districts which is still being processed by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB),” Febrin said.

The government plans to give Rp 15 million to each resident whose house suffered major damage, Rp 10 million for every owner whose home is experiencing moderate devastation and Rp 1 million for each home with minor ruins. There are a total of 114,797 homes with major damages, 67,198 with moderate devastation and 67,838 with minor ruins.

“We actually need a total of Rp 3. 7 trillion for the whole recontruction program for all areas across the province. But due to limited budget, we will focus on the six districts this year,” Febrin told The Jakarta Post.

He added that the government would hand over the cash to some people who were chairing the groups formed by between 20 and 25 house owners.

More than 1,000 people were killed when the 7.9 earthquake jolted the province in late September.