ransportation Minister Budi Sumadi has promised to complete the light rail transit (LRT) project in Palembang, South Sumatra before the cauldron of the quadrennial sporting event Asian Games is lit in 2018.
"I hope the project is finished on time. Once the Games is over, the transportation system will be able to help support government [transportation] programs,” Budi said in a statement as quoted by Antara news agency on Friday, adding that the system would upgrade connectivity in the capital city of South Sumatra, which will co-host the Games with Jakarta.
Budi was in Palembang to inspect the progress of the project along with South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin and rail transportation director general Prasetyo Boeditjahjono.
According to Budi, the project is still mired with several woes, including a land acquisition problem. “If the land acquisition problem is resolved, the project completion can be sped up,” he said.
Governor Alex said the LRT project was expected to help ease traffic, which is said to reach a standstill in 2019. (dmr)
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