Mentawai`s post-tsunami reconstruction needs rp1.16 trillion

Jakarta - The process of rehabilitation and reconstruction of tsunami-hit Mentawai islands over a period of three years (2011-2013) will need funds totaling 1.16 trillion rupiahs, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

"The funds required for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of post-tsunami Mentawai total 1.16 trillion rupiahs, with 486 trillion rupiahs to be disbursed in 2011," said BNPB Data and Information Center-Public Relations Office head Sutopo Nugroho in Jakarta, on Monday.

Speaking in a press conference on the progress of the construction of temporary shelters in the Mentawai region, Nugroho added that the funding will be allocated on five sectors, housing, economy,infrastructure, social and trans-sectors.

BNPB Emergency Response Division acting deputy head Doddy Ruswandi said in the press conference that the reconstruction of Mentawai will formally start in May or July 2011.

Ruswandi said that up to now the total temporary houses already constructed for the victims of the tsunami that smashed Mentawai on 25 October 2010 number to 1,376 units, consisting of 410 houses at North Pagai, 450 at South Sipora and 516 houses at South Pagai.

The remaining houses to be built are 679 houses in accordance with the total requirements of 2.027 houses which will be constructed as permanent houses.

In addition to re-constructing the infrastructure at Mentawai, BNPB has also provided financial assistances of 13.9 billion rupiahs to Mentawai Regency Government for the recovery program of the people`s economy during the transition period prior to the rehabilitation and reconstruction program.

The financial assistance extended was aimed at the empowerment of the people`s economy on various sectors including fishery, agriculture and small- and medium scale businesses.

source : antaranews