... Hopefully, it would be able to reach 95 percent completion by July 2018, so we can operate it in August 2018...Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The regional government of Jakarta is optimistic of completing the construction of all infrastructure projects for the 2018 Asian Games on time, an official stated.
"In general, those construction projects are being implemented in line with the schedule, and they certainly can be completed on time before the Asian Games begins," Jakarta Government Secretary Saefullah remarked here on Friday.
Saefullah pointed to some significant progress in the Jakarta Light Rail Transit (LRT) whose construction has currently reached 63 percent completion.
"Hopefully, it would be able to reach 95 percent completion by July 2018, so we can operate it in August 2018," he noted.
The Jakarta LRT will connect the Jakarta city center with suburbs in Greater Jakarta, such as Bekasi, Bogor, and Depok, where some Asian Games venues are located.
The construction work on the Jakarta International Equestrian Park in Pulomas, East Jakarta, is on schedule and has reached 90 percent completion.
"Construction of the equestrian park and velodrome have achieved similar progress and are both in the finishing phase," Saefullah pointed out.
During the finishing phase, Saefullah has also urged contractors to renovate the areas surrounding the Asian Games venues to increase the aesthetic appeal despite the Jakarta government being in charge of it.
"It is the responsibility of the Jakarta regional government to renovate the areas around the venues and the Athlete Village, but we need to urge the contractors to do their work carefully for optimal results," he stated.
The 18th Asian Games, a regional sporting event for Asian nations, will be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra, simultaneously from Aug 18 to September 2, 2018. The games will feature at least 38 sports events.
Thousands of athletes from 45 countries are expected to participate in the games.
This will be the second time for Indonesia to host the Asian Games, after the first one being held in Jakarta in 1962.
Reporter: Azizah Fitriyanti
Editor: Ade P Marboen
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
