"We are deeply grateful to the PUPR Ministry for approving our proposal for an additional budget of Rp646 billion," Governor Ahmad said in Tanjungpinang on Saturday.
According to the governor, certainty on the funding request was obtained following a review of the provincial government's submission via the Synergy, Transparency, Integration Accountable Application (SiTIa) in response to President Joko Widodo's instruction.
He expressed deep appreciation to the ministry for its approval of the additional budget for handling issues related to the condition of roads in the province. The governor affirmed that assistance from the central government is of the essence to realize development equity across the islands.
Ahmad informed that the works on the province's roads in 2023 will include road maintenance and improvement and new road construction, with a special focus on 7 districts/cities, namely Batam, Tanjungpinang, Bintan, Lingga, Karimun, Anambas, and Natuna.
"Road infrastructures are the key to accelerate economic growth in regions, as adequate roads will facilitate the flow of goods, services, and money," he said.
Governor Ahmad also conveyed his commitment to seeking funds from the central government more actively for the development of the province, adding that collaboration between governments at the regional and central levels is crucial for encouraging regional development.
Providing details on the approved budget allocation, Ahmad disclosed that it includes 17 packages, including 4 packages approved for repairing roads affected by landslides in Serasan Island, Natuna district, at the direct instruction of PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono.
The remaining packages comprise 11 packages requested by the provincial government and 2 packages requested by national legislators of Kepri origin.
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Translator: Ogen, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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