Construction of Galang Island Quarantine Center 60% Complete

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The construction of infectious disease observation and quarantine facility at the former Vietnamese refugee camp of Galang Island, Batam City, Riau Islands, is now 60 percent complete, said an official.

Construction materials for the quarantine center arrived in Batam today, Albert Reinaldo, head of Riau's Settlement Infrastructure Office, said on Saturday.

He said he was optimistic of the facility becoming operational on March 28, 2020, in keeping with the government's target.

“Now, it (work) is still in progress. The (renovation of) ex-Vietnam (hospitals) will be completed on March 22 and March 25. This one (new building) will be completed on March 28," he said.

The revamping of regional facilities, including for waste water management and incineration, is expected to be completed by the end of March, 2020. Facilities for clean water and electricity generation have also been prepared.

The construction process was smooth because there was no objection from local residents. "The Riau Islands people are already aware of the importance of this observation facility," he noted.

Acting Governor of Riau Islands Province Isdianto inspected the construction process at the facilities on Galang Island, on Saturday (21/3).

"I, on behalf of the Riau Islands Administration and people, would like to thank the President for choosing Galang Island as the site of the observation and quarantine center," he said.

ANTARA