"The budget of Rp50 billion is derived from the 2019 State Budget that aims to support tourism in the Labuan Bajo area," he stated.
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NT (ANTARA) - The Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry has readied a budget of Rp50 billion to construct the Lintas Utara road section to support development of the National Tourism Strategic Area in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province.

Head of West Manggarai District Agustinus Ch Dula stated here on Monday that the budget originated from the 2019 State Budget (APBN).

"The budget of Rp50 billion is derived from the 2019 State Budget that aims to support tourism in the Labuan Bajo area," he stated.

He pointed out that ongoing infrastructure development in Labuan Bajo demonstrates the central government's attention to building a better tourism area in Labuan Bajo.

The Lintas Utara road to be constructed will connect Labuan Bajo with Reo in Manggarai District. "Roads to be constructed this year reach 17.5 kilometers long," Dula revealed.

In 2018, construction of the northern cross section began from Sylvia Hill to the Rangko's Gas Engine Power Plant (PLTMG) with the Hot Rolled Sheet (HRS) work project and then from Rangko's Gas Engine Power Plant to Los Cemba.

In 2019, infrastructure development will be conducted through two projects, with the first being the road construction work from Los Cemba to Terang, Boleng Sub-district, reaching 10 kilometers in length, while the second project involves the construction of a 7.5-kilometer-long road from Terang to Sosok.

The Lintas Utara road, following construction, is expected to offer greater benefits to West Manggarai and other districts on Flores island.

"I believe that the Lintas Utara road will offer several benefits. Providing good infrastructure is one of the requirements for realizing sustainable economic growth and improving the people's welfare," Dula added.

EDITED BY INE
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Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Yuni Arisandy
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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