Wreckage of earthquakes and tsunami in Indonesia (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Indonesian Government has announced aplan to build a new city to replace theold city of Palu in Central Sulawesi province, which was recently ravaged byearthquakes and tsunami that killed over 2,000 and forced tens of thousands ofothers to evacuate.
Thedecision was made during a cabinet retreat led by President Joko Widodo onOctober 15.
Ministerof Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono said that after the earthquakes, tsunami, andliquefaction, it is impossible to rebuild the city on the same location. He addedthat the city planning will be held under the management of the NationalDevelopment Planning Agency; the Meteorology, Climatology, and GeophysicsAgency; as well as other concerned ministries and agencies.
Hepointed out that there are currently three options for the new city’s location,including Duyu, Pondok, and Pembewe, which will be studied for their geologicalconditions.
Accordingto the Indonesian Minister, the master plan should be finished as fast aspossible so that it can be launched in 2019.
Themain focus now is to complete the master plan, build temporary shelters, andclean up the city, he said, promising to complete these tasks within two weeks.
Around1,200 temporary shelter units will be set up, each fit to accommodate 10families, with kitchen, bathroom, sanitation, and other facilities.
Socialinfrastructure like schools, hospitals and universities will be completedwithin two years.
Thetotal cost of the project is yet to be announced but it is estimated to reachnearly 300 billion USD. –VNA
