Wreckage of earthquakes and tsunami in Indonesia (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Indonesian Government has announced a plan to build a new city to replace the old city of Palu in Central Sulawesi province, which was recently ravaged by earthquakes and tsunami that killed over 2,000 and forced tens of thousands of others to evacuate.
The decision was made during a cabinet retreat led by President Joko Widodo on October 15.
Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono said that after the earthquakes, tsunami, and liquefaction, it is impossible to rebuild the city on the same location. He added that the city planning will be held under the management of the National Development Planning Agency; the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency; as well as other concerned ministries and agencies.
He pointed out that there are currently three options for the new city’s location, including Duyu, Pondok, and Pembewe, which will be studied for their geological conditions.
According to the Indonesian Minister, the master plan should be finished as fast as possible so that it can be launched in 2019.
The main focus now is to complete the master plan, build temporary shelters, and clean up the city, he said, promising to complete these tasks within two weeks.
Around 1,200 temporary shelter units will be set up, each fit to accommodate 10 families, with kitchen, bathroom, sanitation, and other facilities.
Social infrastructure like schools, hospitals and universities will be completed within two years.
The total cost of the project is yet to be announced but it is estimated to reach nearly 300 billion USD. –VNA
