Parks agency aims to convert aging gas stations into parks

Tifa Asrianti ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 11/14/2008 8:13 PM  |  Jakarta

Jakarta's Parks Agency has filed a budget proposal to fund the conversion of 29 gas stations located in the green belt into public parks in 2009, an official said.

Agency head Ery Basworo told reporters Friday he was asking the City Council for Rp 2.17 billion (US$188,800) to complete the green makeover before the end of 2009.

Ery said the cost to turn one gas station into parkland was between Rp 50 million to Rp 75 million.

"The budget will be used just for turning the gas station into park space. The gas station owners will not get any compensation," he said.

The stations have not had their operating licenses renewed. Two highly visible stations of the 29 awaiting conversion are located within the Semanggi interchange, South Jakarta.

The agency had already proposed a budget for the operation which the council rejected.

"We hope the council will approve the funding for 2009 because we really need to add more green spaces in the city," he said. (and)

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