The provincial offices have proposed a total budget of Rp1.7 billion for use as long as the emergency status remains,
Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - The Palangka Raya city government in Central Kalimantan Province will provide Rp1.7 billion towards an operational budget to tackle land and forest fires during the emergency status for 15 days, from September 16 to 30, 2019. "The provincial offices have proposed a total budget of Rp1.7 billion for use as long as the emergency status remains," Finance Office Chief, Absiah, in Palangka Raya, stated Thursday.

The offices are those of Social Affairs, Health, Provincial Disaster Management, the Fire Department, and others who are concerned with wildfire cases and haze caused in their jurisdiction, according to Absiah.

However, the budget is currently still in the verification stage which means the final amount could be cut.

"If there are any unrelated programs, the proposed budget may be reduced from the proposed Rp1.7 billion," Absiah added.

The wildfire continues in several spots in Palangka Raya and has even begun to spread to the settlements nearby, causing a dense haze that has affected the vision and caused respiratory problems for residents.

Due to this, Palangka Raya Government agreed to shut the elementary school (SD) and junior high school (SMP) for three days from September 19 to 21, 2019.
Related news: Palangka Raya declares emergency over wildfires for 15 days
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