TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Bangka Belitung provincial administration would receive a grant of Rp280 billion from Australia for the acceleration of the road project in the special economic zone (KEK) in Belitung Island. The support would be delivered through the Regional Road National Grant Program (PHNJD) initiated by Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry.

“Bangka Belitung Governor and PUPR Ministry have signed the contract on December 14, 2018. The fund worth Rp280 billion from Australia will be disbursed in three stages. This year, we allocate Rp78 billion,” said the head of Bangka Belitung PUPR Agency Noviar Ishak, Tuesday, January 8.

Noviar explained the initial budget would be used to finance the renovation of the 13-kilometer road from 4.5 meters to 7 meters in Membalong, Belitung District.

“We will improve the 39-kilometer road. In 2019, we plan to widen the road along 13 kilometers, and the rest will be completed next year. In addition, we will also construct sidewalks, add more lighting, and decorate it with chairs and garden along the road. The point is the project is set for tourism site,” he said.

Noviar explained the grant for the special economic zone (KEK) would not be fully handed out to his office, unlike the Special Allocation Funds (DAK).

“So we will first cover the fund amounted to Rp78 billion this year from the Regional Budget (APBD) since the fund will be disbursed after the project complete. We set a target to sign the contract in February and finish it in October,” he noted.

SERVIO MARANDA