Road network in South Sumatra battered by floods

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: South Sumatra needs Rp 87.3 billion (US$8.73 million) to repair a 357-kilometer stretch of road in the province damaged by floods in the past month, a public works official says.

"The damaged infrastructure includes 20 culverts and 12 bridges," Asep Sudrajat, head of the Region III Roadworks Center of the Directorate General of Regional Infrastructure, said.

Damaged infrastructure can be found on the provincial road network from Palembang, Muara Beliti, Musi Rawas, Musi Banyuasin, Muara Enim, Ogan Komering Ulu Timur and at the border with Lampung province.

Heri Amalindo, head of the South Sumatra Public Works' Regional Infrastructure Office, said Rp 15.3 billion was needed to restore the road network.

He said the overhaul was expected to be completed by the end of the year. - JP