"There has been progress in the development of infrastructure to support the relocation area, but currently the development process is still focused in the south. The first stage is the construction of temporary housing and permanent housing (Dusun Kebondeli Selatan)," Administrative Assistant to the Lumajang District Secretary Nugroho Dwi Atmoko said on Wednesday.
Ninety-seven special electricity poles have been erected in the south in the first stage, the construction of concrete environmental roads has begun along with the laying of a clean water network and installation of clean water pipes and domestic waste channels, he informed.
"Acceleration continues to be carried out by the government and non-governmental organizations or volunteers involved in the construction of temporary and permanent housing," he added.
As per the Vice President's directive, the construction of the first phase of the relocation area is targeted to be completed before Eid Al-Fitr 1443, he said.
"It is prepared in order to (transport) refugees at any time, so the block is ready in terms of permanent housing and temporary housing, as well as supporting infrastructure. According to the Vice President's direction, the target is to finish before Eid or early May 2022," he said.
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Atmoko said the target will prove difficult to realize, but the district administration is positive that the Mount Semeru disaster victims will be able to occupy temporary and permanent housing on time.
The construction of permanent housing for people affected by the disaster has continued, he disclosed. Of the target of 1,951 permanent housing units, more than 1,100 permanent housing units have been built, he said.
Meanwhile, Head of Lumajang District Thoriqul Haq said that his administration will continue to coordinate regarding the schedule of residents’ occupation of permanent housing, fulfillment of their basic needs, and the arrangement of the area, since the housing will reunite people who lived in one neighborhood again.
"We also want electricity and water to reach each house as soon as possible so that people can quickly be transported from refugee camps to permanent residences," he added.
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Translator: Zumrotun S, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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